Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA) is drawing condemnation from both sides over a picture he posted on social media which showed him posing jovially outside of a steakhouse just blocks away from the deadly attack on Bourbon Street.
The governor posted the photo on Wednesday night showing him outside a high-end restaurant on Magazine Street showing him with several companions smiling and holding his thumbs-up — roughly 16 hours after the attack, which killed 15 people and injured more than 35 others.
“Ate dinner tonight in New Orleans,” Landry wrote. “Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city. See everyone at the game tomorrow!”
The governor was immediately called out by influencers across the political spectrum — with people who seldom agree with each other coming together to condemn Landry.
Landry seemed to acknowledge the criticism — writing a follow-up post defending the photo.
“It’s important to understand that we have many visitors in the city of New Orleans right now,” Landry wrote. “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 remain open for business!”