WASHINGTON — President Biden vowed on Thursday that ISIS and other terrorist organizations would find “no safe harbor” in the United States, as he condemned a New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people.
“We’re going to continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations wherever they are,” Mr. Biden said. “They’ll find no safe harbor here.”
The president’s remarks came after intelligence briefings confirmed that the assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas resident and U.S. Army veteran, had pledged allegiance to ISIS. Officials said Mr. Jabbar acted alone in the attack, which took place as New Year’s revelers gathered in the city.
Mr. Jabbar was fatally shot by police after firing at officers, according to the F.B.I. Officials said he had driven from Houston to New Orleans on Dec. 31 and posted five videos on Facebook early on Jan. 1, voicing support for ISIS.
Investigators have ruled out the involvement of accomplices, despite initial speculation prompted by video footage showing bystanders near the scene. Authorities now believe the individuals were passers-by with no connection to the attack.
Separately, the F.B.I. reported no links between the New Orleans attack and a car explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day. In that incident, a Tesla Cybertruck packed with gasoline canisters and firework mortars erupted in flames. The explosion occurred weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House on Jan. 20.
The two incidents have heightened security concerns in the lead-up to the presidential inauguration, with officials urging the public to remain alert as investigations continue.
