Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry calls out his “embarrassing” and “tone-deaf” self as he smiles and gives a thumbs up outside an expensive steak restaurant just hours after the deadly New Orleans terrorist attack. '' photo has been widely criticized.
The smiling Republican governor shared a photo of himself posing with restaurant workers outside Bon Ton Prime Rib on Wednesday night. It's just a few blocks from where ISIS-backed terrorists killed 14 people enjoying a New Year's party in the city's famous French Quarter.
“Tonight we had dinner in New Orleans, and I'm proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city,” Landry said. I wrote it to X.
“It is important to understand that the city of New Orleans has many visitors at this time. Safety is our top priority and we want to reassure our guests and the world that Louisiana is not intimidated by Islamic extremist terrorists. I want you to know,” he added in a follow-up post about 30 minutes later.
“Our restaurants and everything New Orleans has to offer remain open!”
The backlash against Landry was swift, with many social media users slamming the governor for posing for a photo while the families of the murdered victims were mourning.
“While people were suffering in the hospital, while families were mourning the dead, while the average American was struggling to make ends meet, how much did you spend on dinner? Tell me,” one user asked. was furious with X. “You are a coward and a disgrace.”
The upscale restaurant sells a 14-ounce New York strip for $64, and crab cakes are on the menu for $49. The most expensive Reserve red wine listed on the restaurant's website costs a whopping $1,900.
Another official complained, “The FBI should have been responsible for uncovering the real facts by spending all day on the phone with parents and families and visiting the injured in the hospital.''
“Many of us[living in other states]couldn't even eat today, because while you're worrying about steaks and restaurant promotions, what's going on in our country? Because I felt bad knowing if there was one.”
Many also accused the governor of being misguided, even though he appeared to be trying to cheer up local businesses in the wake of the massacre.
“'We won't be intimidated by terrorists…but we also won't let this reservation slip away.'” The tenacity of businesses that remain open is commendable, and now is the time to treat yourself to a delicious steak and whiskey. It’s considered time to roll up your sleeves, put down your forks and get to work,” one person tweeted.
“You showed no respect for those who lost their lives and their families. You ate what looked like a celebratory meal,” said another.
One social media user added: “Can't imagine smiling so widely after a catastrophe.”
Investigators believe killer Shamsuddin Jabbar, 42, a Texas native and military veteran, caused fear when he drove his pickup truck into people drinking on Bourbon Street around 3 a.m. on New Year's Day. As the investigation continued, backlash continued.
Jabbar was shot dead in a gunfight with police shortly after mowing down the victim.
