As Americans woke to news of devastating terrorism on New Year’s Day, the streets of New Orleans bore silent witness to an attack that claimed at least 10 lives and left 30 others injured. First responders worked tirelessly through the night tending to victims after a suspect plowed through crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street.

Local law enforcement and FBI teams descended on the historic French Quarter, where holiday celebrations had turned to tragedy. Within minutes of the attack, police had secured the perimeter and begun evacuating the wounded. Meanwhile, bomb squad units discovered and neutralized an explosive device in the suspect’s vehicle.

Let that sink in for a moment. While emergency responders were still counting casualties, Mayor LaToya Cantrell quickly declared the incident a terrorist attack as evidence mounted of a carefully planned assault on innocent Americans.

Against this backdrop of national tragedy, many Americans waited for words of leadership and comfort from the White House. What they got instead left them stunned and angry.

Biden Breaks His Silence

At 10:00 AM EST – a full seven hours after the attack – President Joe Biden’s first public response was a casual “Happy New Year, folks” posted on social media. You read that right. Not a word about the attack. Not a mention of the victims. The tone-deaf message sparked immediate backlash from citizens and officials alike.

“Joe Biden is a heartless pos,” wrote one user. “People lost their lives in a terror attack, and he just tweeted ‘Happy New Year.’ Jan 20th can’t come fast enough.”

Another social media user noted in disbelief, “This is President Joe Biden’s first post of the day. No mention of New Orleans or the victims. [Shaking my head].”

The administration’s delayed response becomes even more concerning given emerging details about the suspect’s background. Federal officials confirmed the attacker’s vehicle had crossed into the United States from Mexico just two months ago, raising serious questions about border security and vetting procedures. How many more potential terrorists have slipped through our porous southern border?

But here’s where it gets interesting: In stark contrast, President-elect Donald Trump issued an immediate and forceful response, condemning what he called an “evil attack” and connecting it to broader national security concerns.

“This tragedy was preventable,” Trump declared, pointing to what he described as failed border policies that have left Americans vulnerable.

It wasn’t until over an hour after his New Year’s greeting that Biden finally addressed the attack through a formal statement, calling it an “act of terrorism” and offering condolences to victims’ families. The White House later revealed that Biden spoke with Mayor Cantrell to offer “full federal support.”

Too Little, Too Late

However, for many Americans, the damage was already done.

“In crisis situations, every minute counts. Leadership isn’t just about eventual action – it’s about immediate presence and decisive response,” said security expert and former FBI agent James Morrison. “The initial hours set the tone for how our nation processes and responds to terrorism.”

The FBI’s investigation has revealed the suspect was wearing body armor and carrying an assault rifle, suggesting extensive preparation. A bomb was later discovered inside the vehicle, highlighting the potential for even greater casualties had law enforcement not responded so quickly.

As America begins 2025 under the shadow of this attack, the contrast in leadership styles couldn’t be clearer. While local law enforcement demonstrated swift and effective response, the federal response appeared disconnected and delayed.

Ask yourself: Is this the crisis leadership America needs? With just 19 days until the presidential transition, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of strong, engaged leadership in protecting American lives. As investigations continue and families mourn their loved ones, the nation’s attention turns to preventing future attacks through enhanced border security and more responsive crisis management.

The American people deserve better than a “Happy New Year” tweet while terrorism strikes at the heart of our communities. They deserve leadership that puts American safety first and responds with the urgency that national security demands.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden’s delayed seven-hour response to terrorism highlights a dangerous leadership vacuum.
• Terrorist’s vehicle crossed from Mexico months ago, exposing critical border security failures.
• Trump’s immediate, decisive response demonstrates stark differences in crisis management.
• Local law enforcement’s swift action saved lives while federal response lagged.

Source: Daily Mail