Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is facing backlash after sharing a photo on social media hours after a deadly truck attack in New Orleans. The attack, carried out on New Year’s Day in the French Quarter, claimed the lives of 14 people and injured dozens more. Authorities identified the perpetrator as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Houston. The FBI labeled the incident a premeditated terrorist act. Jabbar was fatally shot by police at the scene.
The photo, posted by Gov. Landry on Wednesday evening, showed him smiling alongside six others, including his wife, outside a New Orleans steakhouse. The governor included a message emphasizing the resilience of the city and the importance of supporting its restaurants. “Ate dinner tonight in New Orleans. Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city. See everyone at the game tomorrow!” the post read. Landry also declared that Louisiana would not yield to radical Islamic terrorists, stating that safety was the state’s top priority.
The post quickly went viral, amassing over six million views on X (formerly Twitter), and sparked criticism from the public and political opponents. Many labeled the post as insensitive, accusing the governor of disregarding the gravity of the tragedy and the mourning of victims’ families. Critics called the timing and tone of the post inappropriate, with some accusing Landry of “showboating” during a time of grief.
In response to the attack earlier that day, Gov. Landry declared a state of emergency in New Orleans. This move was intended to provide immediate access to state resources to bolster security and support recovery efforts. “We will not allow heinous acts of crime such as this to dampen the Louisiana spirit or ruin our way of life,” Landry said. He vowed that his administration would address the incident thoroughly, likening the investigation to solving a complex puzzle.
The attack also led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame, initially scheduled for Wednesday. It was moved to Thursday as officials prioritized public safety.
While Gov. Landry’s statement about resilience aimed to reassure residents and visitors, the controversy over his photo underscores the importance of tone and timing in leadership during a crisis.