President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday attributed the deadly truck attack in New Orleans to “radical Islamic terrorism” and criticized President Joe Biden’s “open borders” policy as a contributing factor. The attack, which claimed the lives of 14 people celebrating New Year’s, has drawn widespread attention and condemnation. While Trump did not explicitly mention the New Orleans incident, his remarks left little ambiguity regarding the connection.

The alleged attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old military veteran born in Texas, reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Despite being a U.S. citizen, his actions reignited debates about terrorism and national security. Trump’s comments suggested that the threat of radical ideologies transcends borders, implying that domestic policies and global vigilance are interconnected in combating such threats.

Critics have questioned Trump’s reference to “open borders,” pointing out that the suspect was not an immigrant but an American-born individual with a military background. This has prompted a broader discussion about the role of domestic factors, including mental health, radicalization, and access to weapons, in such incidents.

The attack also brought into focus the complexities of addressing homegrown extremism. While Trump’s statement drew support from those advocating for stricter immigration and border policies, others argued for a nuanced approach that addresses the root causes of radicalization and prevents similar tragedies in the future.

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