Louisiana Governor Landry Under Fire for ‘Insensitive’ Post

The State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans have been shaken. A terrorist attack committed on innocent people in our state's most "popular" tourist attraction has sent shockwaves through our collective sensibilities. And while Louisiana residents from Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, Monroe, and all the towns in between attempt to come to grips with the sadness left behind, there is still a lot of work for Louisiana law enforcement agencies to complete. 

It is during the aftermath of tragic events, such as the one that played out in New Orleans on New Year's Day, that we get a picture of who is really in charge of the situation. During incidents involving terrorists, it is important that cities, states, and nations demonstrate that their leaders have the situation under control and that the general population is safe from harm.

On Wednesday as details were unfolding about the events in New Orleans Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, State Attorney General Liz Murrill, and United States Senator John Kennedy were all at the podium answering questions and offering comfort. It was after Wednesday's press conferences that some in Louisiana had an issue with Governor Landry.

Wednesday night, Governor Landry made this post to the social media site X.

Many who saw the Governor's post felt that it was "insensitive" to be going to dinner and posting about it at a restaurant that was near the scene of the attack. Governor Landry responded to those concerns by suggesting, just as he noted in his post, that he was doing this to show the resiliency of the city.

The Governor felt that going out to dinner with friends and family and making a note about attending Thursday's Sugar Bowl was a way to show the rest of the world that Louisiana and New Orleans are open. Others felt the response lacked decorum and dignity for those who lost loved ones in the attack.

In a subsequent response to those who questioned the timing of the meal, the photo, and the post, Landry offered this quote:

It’s important to understand that we have many visitors in the city of New Orleans right now. Safety is our top priority and we want our guests and the world to know that Louisiana does not cower to radical Islamic terrorists. Our restaurants and all New Orleans has to offer remain open for business!

Several commenters on Landry's original post and his response still found a great deal of disfavor with the Governor. One suggested he delete the post because of its insensitivity. While another took the opportunity to suggest that Landry "fire himself".

Meanwhile, the investigation into the New Year's Terror Attack in New Orleans continues. Here are the latest headlines and developments regarding the investigation.