As news of the attack on New Orleans' French Quarter spread on New Year's Day, law enforcement and elected officials issued statements and posted their comments and reactions on social media.
President Joe Biden issued the following statement:
I have been continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans regarding the horrific incident that occurred there overnight. The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind.
I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities.
President-Elect Donald Trump issued the following statement:
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La appeared on CNN with the following:
The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus issued this statement:
Yesterday morning the country was met with the heartbreaking news of a mass casualty event in New Orleans, Louisiana, which has claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals and left many more injured. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn with the families who have lost oved ones and those who are faced with the daunting task of healing from the tragic incident. The Members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC) stand in solidarity with our constituents in NOLA denouncing this egregious act of violence and offering our complete support to federal, state and local leadership as they work to unravel the details. We invite all Louisiana Citizens to join us in offering thoughts and prayers to all those impacted.
According to WAFB, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called it “a horrific act of violence” and said he and his wife were “praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.” He urged people to avoid the area.
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La:
“The attack on Bourbon Street this morning was evil.
I’m praying for every victim of this violence and am grateful to all the first responders who rushed toward danger to help the innocent today.
Every resource that law enforcement needs to get answers about this barbaric act should be made available.”
The state House and Senate leadership issued the following:
Senate President J. Cameron Henry, Jr. and Speaker of the House Phillip R. DeVillier issue the following statements concerning the Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans early this morning.
“The entire state mourns the loss of life as a result of this senseless attack,” said President Henry. “People in New Orleans deserve to feel safe whether they’re living in the city or simply visiting. Our focus must be to provide the resources we can to make the city secure as Louisiana hosts the Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in the coming days, weeks and months.”
“As we all send our sincere condolences for the individuals and families impacted by this horrible incident we are also committed to making sure our people are protected,” said Speaker DeVillier. “Securing New Orleans is a priority we cannot ignore. As lawmakers, we will do our part making available whatever resources are necessary to respond.”
Here's a statement from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill
The Louisiana Democratic Party:
From the Covington Police Department:
From the Baton Rouge Police Department:
