New Orleans terror attack: Joe Biden urges US not to jump to conclusions after man ‘inspired by ISIS’ kills 15

US President Joe Biden has condemned the “despicable attack” in New Orleans after a man “inspired by ISIS” killed 15 people celebrating the new year.

As thousands gathered in popular New Orleans’ popular Bourbon Street, known for its party atmosphere and annual Mardi Gras celebration, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck around police vehicles, over a sidewalk and ploughed through crowds at speed.

Mr Jabber crashed the vehicle, before exiting and opening fire, when he was shot dead by local police.

At least 15 people have lost their lives already from injury, with many more left fighting for life in critical conditions.

Speaking from Camp David in Maryland, Mr Biden thanked first responders, highlighting that their actions prevented Mr Jabbar from killing or injuring more people.,

“The FBI has reported to me the killer was an American citizen, born in Texas,” Mr Biden said.

“Hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill.”

Mr Biden said the vehicle used in the attack in New Orleans was carrying “possible explosives” and that “more explosives were found nearby”.

“The law enforcement and intelligence community are continuing to look for any connections (or) associations with co-conspirators,” he said.

The president noted the situation was still “fluid” and urged Americans not to “jump to conclusions”.

Mr Biden said he has instructed the Attorney General, FBI director, Secretary of Homeland Security, head of the Nation Counter Terrorism Centre and the intelligence community to work on the case “intensely” until they had “all the information.”

The president said investigators were also looking into possible links between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas.

“We are tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas,” he said.

“Thus far, there is nothing to report on that score at this time.”

Mr Biden said he grieved with those affected.

“Our hearts are with the people of New Orleans after this despicable attack that occurred in the early morning hours,” he said.

“I grieve with you, our nation grieves with you.

“New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world, a city full of charm and joy.

“So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture and, above all, its people.

“So I know while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated.”