Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry ignited heated criticism on social media for posting a photo of himself outside a New Orleans restaurant.

The governor and a group of people are seen in the photo outside of Bon Ton Prime Rib just hours after a New Year’s Eve attack on Bourbon Street that left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured.

The suspect drove a truck through the crowd of revelers in what was being called an act of terror and the FBI believed he may not have acted alone. While investigations are underway, the governor announced a day’s delay in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame.

Ate dinner tonight in New Orleans. Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city. See everyone at the game tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/JhEJDb5E9P

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 2, 2025

Amid the tragic aftermath, Landry shared the photo touting the “resilient city” and evidently trying to show that “Louisiana does not cower to radical Islamic terrorists. ”

“Ate dinner tonight in New Orleans. Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city. See everyone at the game tomorrow!” Landry wrote on the post he shared Wednesday night.

He followed up with another message, writing that “Safety is our top priority.”

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…

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 2, 2025

But the governor was blasted online for his “tone-deaf” post with many wondering how he could be casually dining out while many grapple with the death of loved ones.

Nobody thinks anyone should cower.

But the government officials responsible for the safety of their constituents (who just failed in a big way, btw) should be seen working their asses off finding out what went wrong in insuring that safety, not eating out at any restaurant.…

— Billy the Spear (@JKbdubious) January 2, 2025

Yes but you din’t need a photo op for political purposes. Tone deaf post.

— Mary Frost (@mlfrostmi) January 2, 2025

Everyone who thought this post was a good idea should be fired

— Cryssie (@CryssieGA) January 2, 2025

Today is not a day of celebration. This is disgraceful photo.

— William (@Will4835) January 2, 2025

Wow, I’m glad I don’t live in LA. You didn’t even take a moment to show some respect to the ones who lost their lives nor their families. You had yourself what looks like a celebratory meal.

— Happy Bud’s Mom (@budsma2021) January 2, 2025

You should have been on the phone throughout the entire day calling parents and family members,
visiting the injured at the hospital,
holding the FBI responsible for getting out true facts.

You are out of touch with your country and those in your city who felt afraid and…

— Mrs Hoss of PA (@MrsHoss_of_PA) January 2, 2025

Some X users came to Landry’s defense and pointed out that he was trying to send a message that evidently got buried in the optics of the photo.

He’s trying to show that the terrorists didn’t get their intended effect.

— BasicKekinomics (@BasicKekinomics) January 2, 2025

I realize you were trying to convey strength & safety, but there should have been a quiet period of time held to show reverence to those who were just slaughtered in the City and to their loved ones who are grieving.

— TMM (@TMMMcB) January 2, 2025

I think he is trying to get people to go back out and support the merchants but he probably should have put more detail in his post. The businesses need people to show up.

— B. McEwen (@mcewenba) January 2, 2025

Oh knock it off! He’s showing people that we won’t cower down. He has a city full of visitors and wants them to feel safe.

— Jennifer Lewis (@jennmonkeylew73) January 2, 2025

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Frieda Powers

Senior Staff Writer
Frieda@bizpacreview.com

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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