Pool Reports of January 1, 2025

Travel Pool report #1

Good morning from Wilmington where President Biden and the First Lady are spending the morning before their departure for Camp David. The White House passed along the following information about the incident in New Orleans:

President Biden has been briefed on the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight and the White House has been in touch with New Orleans Mayor Cantrell to offer support. The FBI is already on the ground supporting local law enforcement in the investigation and the President will continue to be briefed throughout the day.

I will be your pooler today. POTUS is scheduled to depart from Wilmington and head to Camp David at 10:25am.

Travel Pool report #2

Pool has been swept and is holding near President Biden's home in Wilmington, Del.. POTUS and FLOTUS are scheduled to depart from Delaware Air National Guard Base at 10:25am and fly to Hagerstown, Md. as they make their way to Camp David.

Travel Pool report #3

Pool is still holding near President Biden's home in Wilmington where he has been monitoring the incident in New Orleans. The White House passes along the following:

President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight. The President has been briefed on the latest developments by senior FBI and DHS leadership and his homeland security team, and he will continue to be briefed on this incident throughout the day. FBI is leading the investigation and is working closely with local and state officials.

Travel Pool report #4

President Biden has arrived at the Delaware Air National Guard Base for his trip to Hagerstown as he travel to Camp David. Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade en route to the base are:

Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President
Kelly Scully, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Press Secretary

Travel Pool report #5

President Biden briefly spoke to the pool about the New Orleans incident at the Delaware Air National Guard Base shortly before 11:30am. POTUS said he had been continually briefed by his team, but that he did not want to talk about the specifics of the incident and would not answer questions about the identity of the driver in the New Orleans incident or the suspect's nationality or whether the person entered the US from across the border. Will send full quotes shortly.

Travel Report #6: Biden comments on New Orleans

Before departing Delaware, President Biden spoke briefly to the pool about the New Orleans incident. It was difficult to hear him, but here is more of what he said:

"I'm not going to comment on any specifics at all," he said, adding that all the agencies are coordinating to determine what happened.

When asked whether the suspect was foreign or domestic, he said "I'm not going to say anything until I get all the facts."

When asked if the suspect had been identified, he said "Again I'm not going to comment until I speak to every member of the agencies."

POTUS said his reaction upon hearing about the incident was one of "anger and frustration."

Travel Pool report #7

President Biden and the First Lady deplaned in Hagerstown around 12:15pm under light snow. He did not speak to reporters. The motorcade departed for Camp David at around 12:23pm.

From the White House:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Hagerstown Regional Airport:

Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President
Kelly Scully, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Press Secretary

Travel Pool Report #8

President Biden arrived at Camp David at 12:56pm. Pool did not see him get out of the vehicle. We are holding in a hangar at another part of Camp David.

Travel Pool Report #9

While at Camp David this afternoon, President Biden has received additional briefings by his homeland security team on the latest developments following the news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight.

The White House provided the following details:

The President was also briefed on the fire and explosion near the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and has directed his team to offer any federal assistance needed.

President Biden convened a call this afternoon with his homeland security team to discuss the latest developments in the investigation into the horrific attack in New Orleans early this morning. Participants on the call included Attorney General Garland, FBI Director Wray, FBI Deputy Director Abbate, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, NCTC Acting Director Holmgren, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Grady, as well as Chief of Staff Zients, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and Homeland Security Advisor Sherwood-Randall.

Travel Pool report #10

President Biden will be speaking to the pool imminently about the latest developments in the attack in New Orleans. You should be able to watch at WhiteHouse.gov.

The White House just sent out updated guidance:

Update:

In the evening, the President will deliver remarks on the latest developments in New Orleans. These remarks at Camp David will be covered by the out-of-town pool.

EST

6:30 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the latest developments in New Orleans
Camp David
Out-of-Town Pool

Travel Pool Report #11

President Biden addressed the attack in New Orleans Wednesday evening from a hangar at Camp David. 

He said the hearts of all Americans are with the people of New Orleans and addressed the families of those who were killed or injured in the attack, as well as all the people of New Orleans. 

"We're going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal the weeks to come," he said.

Biden described the investigation as "preliminary" and said authorities are still trying to determine whether there is any continuing threat to public safety. He noted that the killer was an American citizen, who was born in Texas and served on active duty in the United States Army, as well as the Army Reserve until a few years ago. 

Biden also referenced videos that the killer recorded and posted on social media, where the perpetrator indicated that he was inspired by ISIS -- including in the desire to kill. 

"The situation is very fluid," Biden said. "The law enforcement [and the] intelligence community continue to look for any connections, associations or co-conspirators. We have nothing additional to report at this time -- the investigation is continuing to be active, and no one should jump to conclusions."

Biden said authorities are also tracking the explosion of a cyber truck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, but he did not answer a shouted question as he left the podium about whether that explosion is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism. 

The President said law enforcement is trying to determine whether there's any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans -- "Thus far, there's nothing to report on that score," he said. 

Biden said his team is making every resource available to federal, state and local law enforcement "to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and make sure there is no remaining threat to the American people."

"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 the New Orleans because of its history, its culture and above all its people," he said. "The spirit of New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated."

The President is spending the night at Camp David. Signing off as your pooler.