
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has publicly expressed doubts about New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s capability to ensure the safety of the city’s residents. Following a terror attack on New Year’s Eve, Nungesser told the Christian Post that he no longer believes in the mayor’s ability to protect New Orleans.
“Prior to this horrible incident, I was seeing major changes and improvements in crime in the quarter,” Nungesser said, referring to the area of the French Quarter. However, he added, “the mayor is completely — I don’t want to say she doesn’t have a clue — she just doesn’t care.”
The lieutenant governor emphasized the role of state and federal authorities in maintaining safety at large events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. He assured the public that, despite the mayor’s shortcomings, the state would take charge to secure the city. “We are going to make this city safe,” Nungesser declared. “The food, the music, the culture is like nowhere else in the world.”
WOKE ST LOUIS MAYOR Tishaura Jones vows to 'hold the business owners accountable' for 'violence around convenience stores and gas stations ⚠️🤡
The meeting was organized for the launch of the "Black Mayors Coalition on Crime." pic.twitter.com/zFCs5hOoXc
— AGNEWSLIVE (@AMErikaNGIRLLL) March 29, 2024
Nungesser also commended Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry for his swift action in deploying state troopers to New Orleans. He acknowledged the importance of protecting the city’s $1.9 billion tourism industry, which heavily relies on events like Mardi Gras.
Louisiana's own Lt. Governor admits he doesn't have any faith in New Orleans mayor's ability to keep city safe https://t.co/ilsjdecqge via @americanwire_
— YoungDuck (@lduck623) January 13, 2025
The lieutenant governor’s comments come after he criticized Cantrell’s response to the terrorist attack, which was allegedly carried out by an ISIS-inspired suspect. Nungesser has accused the mayor of being “nonexistent” during the crisis and has pointed out the lack of safety measures, such as barriers, that could have mitigated some of the destruction caused by the attack.
With public safety concerns at the forefront, many are calling for stronger leadership in New Orleans as the city faces growing crime rates and potential threats from extremists. The tensions between Nungesser and Cantrell highlight the divide in leadership styles when it comes to handling critical security issues.