Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed deep sorrow over the New Orleans attack, offering condolences.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has extended her sincerest condolences, saying she was deeply saddened by the horrible attack in New Orleans. She mentioned that her thoughts are for the victims and their families. She called for unity in fighting violence and terrorism and working toward a safer future together.
I am deeply saddened by the horrible attack in New Orleans.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 2, 2025
My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
We must stand united in the fight against violence and terrorism, and work together towards a safer future.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, stated being deeply sad at the deliberation attack that took place upon New Year celebrations in New Orleans. She commented that there could be no justification for such violent actions. Upon further investigation carried out by the authorities, she offered full solidarity with the victims and their family members during the tragic hour.
I am deeply saddened by the deliberate attack on those celebrating New Year's in New Orleans.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 1, 2025
There is no excuse for such violence.
As authorities continue their investigation, we stand in full solidarity with the victims and their families during this tragic time.
What happened in New Orleans?
On January 1, 2025, a terrible attack happened in New Orleans when a pickup truck was deliberately driven into a crowd of New Year’s Eve celebrants on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring around 30. Eyewitnesses said that the attacker drove his rented Ford F-150 pickup truck at high speed into pedestrians, dodging barricades to maximize damage. When the truck crashed, he stepped out and opened fire on responding police officers.
The gunman, Jabbar, who opened fire at the police after he crashed his car, died during the exchange of gunfire with police officers. Shamsud-Din Jabbar is a 42-year-old US Army veteran from Texas. According to sources, the FBI has launched an investigation into the possible involvement of others in this operation, leading one to suspect that Jabbar could have harboured extreme Islamist ideologies. Authorities also found IEDs in the vehicle of the attacker, Jabbar, and other probable IEDs around the site where he attacked. Due to this reason, the FBI has categorized the case as one involving a potential act of terrorism.
