Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is facing criticism after posting a lighthearted photo of himself outside a New Orleans restaurant hours after a deadly truck attack in the city’s French Quarter.
The photo, shared on social media, shows Landry smiling with others, including his wife, with the caption highlighting that New Orleans restaurants remained open after the attack, which killed 14 people and injured dozens.
The attack, which the FBI confirmed as an act of terrorism, was carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Houston resident who was shot and killed by police at the scene.
The photo received widespread backlash, with many critics calling it distasteful and insensitive, as it seemed to downplay the severity of the tragedy. Some felt the post was more about political showboating than expressing empathy for the victims.
Landry’s comment emphasized New Orleans’ resilience and his commitment to public safety, stating, Louisiana does not cower to radical Islamic terrorists.
In response to the attack, Landry declared a state of emergency in New Orleans to ensure access to state resources for the city’s recovery.
He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate such crimes, and that efforts to investigate the attack were ongoing. Despite the controversy surrounding his social media post, Landry’s focus on bolstering safety and security in the city remains a key element of his response.