Louisiana Governor Urges Biden to Issue Emergency Declaration Following New Orleans Truck Attack
“I eagerly await President Biden’s approval for my request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration,” stated Governor Landry. “This is not a time for hesitance.”
Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana has expressed his plan to request President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency in Louisiana, aiming to access federal support deemed crucial for enhancing the state’s response to the recent truck attack in New Orleans, as well as for strengthening preventative measures against potential future incidents.
On January 1, a tragic incident resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries when U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s. The assailant was killed in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
“I look forward to discussing with President Biden today the expedited approval of my request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration,” Landry noted in the statement. “This is no time for hesitance.”
“As local and federal law enforcement continue to investigate the attack, including tracking IEDs and identifying potential security risks, immediate federal support is vital to safeguard lives, restore essential services, and mitigate any further threats,” Landry emphasized. “This is particularly critical given the large events New Orleans is set to host in the forthcoming weeks.”
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New Orleans anticipates hosting over a million visitors for its Carnival season this week, with Mardi Gras festivities commencing on January 6, and Super Bowl LIX taking place next month. In light of the massive influx of visitors, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency, asserting that it will facilitate extensive coordination and supplementary security measures required to ensure the safety of these upcoming events.
Governor Landry’s statement indicates his intention to meet with Biden during this visit and urge him to declare the emergency. Additionally, Landry called for the swift confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.
“There must not be a delay in leadership,” Landry asserted. “Following the attacks on Bourbon Street and in Las Vegas, the security of our nation relies on her prompt confirmation.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration has determined that these significant events necessitate extensive federal interagency support and will utilize every available resource to address local capability gaps and ensure safe and secure gatherings,” according to Biden’s statement.
Various federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, are collaborating on the investigation of the January 1 attack. On January 5, the FBI dispatched additional personnel to New Orleans, including special agents and bomb technicians, and established a Family Assistance Center to aid victims and their families, as per Biden’s announcement. The assistance comprises lodging, financial support, crisis intervention, on-site mental health services, and recovery programs.
