Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to President Biden Over New Orleans Terrorist Attack

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed their heartfelt condolences to U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday following the tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which claimed 14 lives and injured dozens.

In a cable sent to President Biden, King Salman expressed strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a “shameful act.” He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of the United States, wishing a swift recovery for the injured, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Crown Prince Mohammed, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister, echoed the sentiments in a separate message to President Biden, reiterating solidarity with the United States during this difficult time.

The New Orleans attack involved a rampage by 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a pickup truck through crowded areas before being killed in a shootout with police. The FBI has confirmed the attack as an act of terrorism inspired by Daesh, citing video evidence in which Jabbar declared allegiance to the group and referenced a “war between the believers and nonbelievers.”

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia clarified that Jabbar acted alone, despite his claims of past involvement with Daesh.

The attack occurred on the same day as another violent incident in Las Vegas, where Matthew Livelsberger, a U.S. Army Special Forces member, detonated a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosive materials outside the Trump International Hotel, injuring seven people. Authorities revealed that Livelsberger’s actions were intended as a “wake-up call,” with writings suggesting a grim outlook on the nation’s future.

These incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions on combating domestic terrorism in the United States.