Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is facing widespread criticism after posting a lighthearted photo of himself dining at a New Orleans restaurant just hours after the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack. The attack, which took place on Bourbon Street, claimed the lives of 14 people and injured dozens more.
It was later confirmed as a premeditated “act of terrorism” by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Houston, who was fatally shot by police. Despite the tragic loss of life, Landry’s social media post, which showed him smiling and holding a thumbs-up outside a steakhouse, focused on the resilience of the city and the safety of its visitors.
While he expressed solidarity with the community, critics quickly pointed out that the post came off as tone-deaf and insensitive to the ongoing trauma faced by victims and their families. Many accused Landry of “showboating” and lacking empathy.
In contrast, the governor had earlier declared a state of emergency in New Orleans, pledging to provide additional resources to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The backlash over his post has sparked debate about how public figures should respond in the immediate aftermath of tragic events, especially when balancing public morale and the gravity of the situation.
