A steakhouse celebration in New Orleans turns into a social media firestorm for Louisiana's newly elected governor.
According to Daily Mail, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry sparked outrage after posting a photo of himself dining at a steakhouse just hours after a deadly ISIS-linked terror attack killed 15 people in New Orleans.
The Republican governor shared a thumbs-up photo with several people outside Bon Tob Prime Rib Steakhouse, located merely 10 minutes from where the terror attack occurred on Bourbon Street. The controversial post came at 7 pm, following the 3 am attack that left 35 others injured during New Year's celebrations in the French Quarter.
Landry, who has led Louisiana since January 2024, attempted to justify the post by emphasizing the importance of showing resilience. He posted a follow-up message stating that safety remains the top priority while asserting that Louisiana refuses to cower to radical Islamic terrorists. The governor also emphasized that restaurants and other establishments in New Orleans remain open for business.
Social media users swiftly condemned the governor's actions as insensitive and tone-deaf. Many criticized his decision to share a celebratory photo while families were grieving the loss of their loved ones. One user directly questioned the appropriateness of bragging about a steak dinner while 15 people lay dead.
In response to mounting criticism, Landry maintained his stance on projecting normalcy, linking his steakhouse visit to the upcoming Sugar Bowl college football game that had been delayed due to the attack. His attempts to frame the dinner as a show of city resilience failed to quell the growing backlash.
The attack was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Driving a rented white Ford F-150 Lightning EV from Houston, Jabbar deliberately targeted New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street. The vehicle's specifications made it particularly lethal, with its substantial height and weight, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick addressed concerns about security measures, stating:
We knew these were malfunctioning. So we did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it. This particular terrorist drove around onto the sidewalk and got around the hard target. We did have a car there, we had barriers there, we had officers there, and they still got around.
The FBI confirmed the discovery of an ISIS flag attached to the vehicle, along with guns and pipe bombs concealed in coolers. The investigation revealed that the devices were wired for remote detonation, with the corresponding remote control found inside the vehicle. Additionally, surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing multiple improvised explosive devices in the French Quarter.
The deadly rampage has raised serious questions about the city's security preparedness during major events. Despite the presence of mechanical barricades at intersections, their malfunction allowed the attacker to maneuver past police barriers. The FBI's ongoing investigation suggests Jabbar did not act alone, indicating a potentially broader terror network.
The controversy surrounding Governor Landry's steakhouse photo has added another layer of complexity to the city's response to the attack. His decision to maintain a public appearance of normalcy, while intended to demonstrate resilience, has instead highlighted tensions between political leadership and public sensitivity during times of crisis.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about appropriate government responses to terror attacks and the balance between maintaining normal activities and showing respect for victims and their families.
The New Year's terror attack in New Orleans has left the city grappling with both security concerns and questions about leadership response. Governor Jeff Landry's controversial steakhouse photo, posted hours after 15 people were killed and 35 injured, created additional tension as the city mourns. As investigations continue into the ISIS-linked attack and potential accomplices, attention remains focused on improving security measures and appropriate government responses to such tragedies.
