Biden visits New Orleans to grieve with families of New Year's Eve attack

US President has less than two weeks left in the post and this will probably be his last consolation visit

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden participate in an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the deadly New Years truck attack, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Monday. AP

President Joe Biden visited New Orleans on Monday to meet the families of victims from the New Year’s attack that authorities say was perpetrated by an ISIS supporter.

Mr Biden, who leaves office on January 20, is visiting Louisiana days after a US citizen from Texas who served in the US Army ploughed his vehicle into revellers in the city's popular French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring more than 35.

The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was shot dead in a firefight with police. Hours before the attack, authorities said Jabbar, 42, posted videos on a social media proclaiming his support for ISIS.

Mr Biden visited the site of the attack and, together with his wife Jill Biden, laid flowers and lit candles at a shrine for victims before they stood in silence with their heads bowed.

“My wife and I are here to stand with you, grieve with you, pray with you, let you know you’re not alone," he said.

On Sunday, the FBI unveiled that Jabbar had visited New Orleans twice before the attack and had recorded video of the French Quarter using Meta smart glasses.

They said he had travelled to Egypt and Canada, although there was still no evidence that those trips were connected to the attack.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden will hold a private meeting with the victims' families before attending an interfaith vigil.

After the meeting, the Bidens will attend the service, the White House said, which will be hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France.

“There's no higher, higher priority to the President than the safety and security of the American people,” Ms Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One while flying to New Orleans.

“He will continue to ensure we do everything possible to get to the bottom of this horrific event, while also ensuring that this community has the resources they need in the wake of this tragedy.”

After the visit, Mr Biden will travel to California before heading to Italy where he will meet Pope Francis and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in what is likely to be his last international trip as President.