Biden to visit New Orleans after car plows into crowd incident

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 -- US President Joe Biden is headed to New Orleans, Louisiana, following the deadly incident which left 15 people dead after a man drove a car into crowds of people celebrating the New Year's Day holiday on Sunday.

The White House said that Biden will fly to the southern US city on Thursday to meet with state and local officials. According to a news release, Biden will also share in the grief of the families and friends of the victims.

A news release from the President's Office states Biden will join local and state leaders in meeting and supporting New Orleans. "On this New Year's Eve, let us honor all those who lost their lives and be with the families and community who are grieving," the statement reads.

On Sunday, a man drove his car down Loyola Avenue in downtown New Orleans and rammed into crowds of people celebrating, according to authorities. Police said the suspect crashed into dozens of revelers, before he fled on foot. Authorities opened fire and shot the man following a brief gun exchange. The man has since died from the injuries sustained in the encounter.

At least 15 deaths and 58 injuries have been reported so far in connection to the incident. Law enforcement found firearms inside the vehicle which the suspect drove. According to the FBI field office in Louisiana, explosives and what is suspected to be a flag belonging to extremist group the Islamic State were also recovered.