Louisiana Lt. Gov. Questions New Orleans Mayor’s Handling Of City Safety

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has raised serious concerns about the ability of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to ensure the safety of the city’s residents. In a recent interview, Nungesser said he no longer has confidence in Cantrell’s leadership following a terror attack on New Year’s Eve. He described her response to the crisis as inadequate, adding that the mayor seemed detached from the situation.

Nungesser pointed out that he had seen improvements in crime reduction in New Orleans’ French Quarter before the attack, but he emphasized that the mayor’s lack of action was a problem. “The mayor is completely — I don’t want to say she doesn’t have a clue — she just doesn’t care,” Nungesser stated. His comments reflect growing frustration over the city’s safety issues.

The lieutenant governor also underscored the importance of state involvement in maintaining security during large events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. “We are going to make this city safe,” Nungesser said. He praised Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry for quickly deploying state troopers to assist with public safety in the city.

The tensions between state and local leadership highlight a divide in how to approach safety concerns in New Orleans. With tourism being a key part of the economy, Nungesser emphasized that ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors is essential to protect the city’s $1.9 billion tourism industry.

The criticism from Nungesser comes after the New Year’s Eve attack, allegedly carried out by an ISIS-inspired individual. He also criticized the lack of security measures, such as safety barriers, which could have prevented some of the damage caused during the attack.

Public safety remains a top concern for many, with calls for stronger leadership and better coordination between local, state, and federal authorities in the face of rising crime and potential threats.