Donald Trump slams New Orleans attack as 'act of pure evil' after car drives into New Year's crowd

1 January 2025, 16:43 | Updated: 2 January 2025, 15:41

Trump called the attack an act of pure evil
Trump called the attack an act of pure evil. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Donald Trump has slammed the New Orleans terror attack, which saw a man drive a car into a New Year's crowd before opening fire, as an 'act of pure evil'.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The driver, who was in a pick-up truck, was "hell-bent on carnage", officials said, as he sped through a crowd of pedestrians.

At least 10 people died and 35 more were injured in the attack, which took place near the popular Bourbon Street, in the French Quarter.

The incident happened at around 3.15am local time (9.15am UK time), with two police officers among those who were shot.

New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said that the attack was "terror" in a press conference, with the FBI later confirming that they were investigating it as a terrorist incident.

Responding to the attack on Truth Social, Donald Trump said: "When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true.

"The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before.

"Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department.

"The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!"

Read more: 'Hell-bent on carnage': 10 dead and 35 hurt in New Orleans terror attack after driver slams into crowd and opens fire

Read more: Five killed in New Year chaos in Germany, as dozens of police officers injured and hundreds of suspects arrested

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said he has been "continually briefed" on the incident throughout the day.

A White House statement read: "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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has called for more British apprenticeships

UK must become 'less dependent' on foreign workers by training more British apprentices, minister warns LBC

Labour has deported nearly 19,000 people since coming to power

Inside Labour's deportation flights, as 19,000 illegal migrants removed from UK since July election

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'No exceptions, no exemptions': Trump brings in 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium as UK dragged into trade war

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'All hell will break out': Trump says Gaza ceasefire 'should be axed' if Hamas doesn't free all hostages on Saturday

Kim Leadbeater after the bill passed its first reading in November

Assisted dying cases could go ahead without judge's approval

Kanye West

Kanye West slammed for Super Bowl advert directing viewers to site selling swastika t-shirts

Matar is accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie

Man accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie says 'Free Palestine' as he is led into court

Legendary strongman Geoff Capes left nearly £240,000 in his will

Legendary strongman and Olympian Geoff Capes leaves £240k in will following death aged 75

The scene in Coulter Road, Hammersmith, west London, following the death of a woman in a flat

Woman, 36, found dead after man seen trying to force his way into flat in west London

Quinn Parker

'Inhumane' NHS trust admits maternity failings as three babies die within months of each other

The Aesculapian snake can grow up to two metres in length

Europe's biggest snake 'thriving' in UK and living in people's attics, study finds

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman among 10 allegedly raped by Chinese PhD student in London left “angry and ashamed” after attack, court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay