Lai expresses condolences to U.S. after New Orleans truck attack

Taipei, Jan. 2 (CNA) Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday expressed the government's condolences to the United States after a New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.

In a post in English on X, Lai wrote that he was "deeply saddened by the tragedy in New Orleans."

"On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I wish to offer my sincerest condolences for the devastation and loss of life."

"During this challenging time, our thoughts are with our friends in the United States," Lai wrote.

Lai issued the statement after a man reportedly inspired by the Islamic State group rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers at a New Year's celebration on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 15 people and injuring 35.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was shot dead by police. The FBI has said it is investigating the attack as an "act of terror" and does not believe the driver acted alone.