Jeff Landry Going for Steak After New Orleans Attack Sparks Fury

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has come under fire after posting about eating out at a steakhouse just hours after 15 people were killed when a pickup truck drove through a crowd in New Orleans.

In a photo he shared to X, Landry is seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up outside Bon Ton Prime Rib steakhouse, which is just 10 minutes from the scene of the attack, alongside his wife and several others. "Ate dinner tonight in New Orleans. Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city. See everyone at the game tomorrow!" the post said, referencing the Sugar Bowl college football game that was postponed in the wake of the attack.

Some social media users criticized the timing of the post, with one calling it "tone deaf."

Newsweek has contacted the Landry's office via email for comment.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry at a legislative special session focusing on crime in February 2024, at the state Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Landry has come under fire posting about going for a steak after... Hilary Scheinuk/AP

Why It Matters

Many Louisianans were grappling with shock and fear in the wake of the attack, which has left the community unsettled.

The FBI said it was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

What To Know

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, is believed to have driven a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter at around 3:15 a.m. on New Year's Day, killing 15 and injuring 30. Jabbar was killed in an exchange of fire with police.

The FBI later said an ISIS flag was found in his truck, as well as possible improvised explosive devices. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. It is currently unclear if the IEDs were linked to the attack.

New Orleans officials later revealed that the mechanical barricades around Bourbon Street, intended to prevent vehicles from entering, were not functioning at the time of the attack due to a replacement project. Police had placed alternative barriers, but the attacker bypassed them by driving on to the sidewalk.

Police initially said they did not believe Jabbar acted alone, but the FBI and New Orleans Police said on Thursday that they no longer believe anyone else was involved in the attack, according to ABC News. The FBI in Houston said "there is no threat to residents in that area."

What Was Jabbar's Motive?

While a motive has not yet been revealed, videos have emerged which allegedly show Jabbar discussing how he had planned to gather his family for a "celebration" with the intention of killing them after his divorce, before changing his plans to join ISIS, CNN reported, citing two officials who had been briefed on the recordings.

Jabbar also referenced several dreams that he had about why he should be joining ISIS, according to CNN. Newsweek has not reviewed the videos and they have not been publicly released.

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said at a police conference that Jabbar was "hell bent on creating the carnage and the damage he did," adding: "This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil."

Jabbar was a U.S. citizen from Texas who served in the Army for more than a decade as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist on active duty between March 2007 and January 2015. After leaving active duty in January 2015, he served in the Army Reserve until July 2020, when he left service as a staff sergeant.

In 2002 he was charged with misdemeanor theft and in 2005 he was charged with driving with a suspended license, according to records previously reviewed by Newsweek. Authorities are examining these past incidents as part of their broader investigation into the suspect's background and potential motivations.

Jabbar's brother, Abdur Jabbar, 24, told the New York Times that they had been brought up Christian but his brother had converted to Islam long ago. He added: "What he did does not represent Islam."

Jabbar was allegedly staying at an Airbnb, which burned down earlier Wednesday, about a mile and a half away from the attacks.

What People Are Saying

Sports psychologist Bhrett McCabe said on X, responding to Landry's post: "I am sorry but people are grieving tonight. You could have put out a different message that you were visiting with tourists and locals, instead, you posted a tone deaf picture.

"I was hoping you were better for Louisiana than your predecessors - this is awful."

X user Faxan posted: "15 people are dead in NOLA and you're bragging about your steak dinner?"

X user Burt Macklin wrote: "Dude. Several of your constituents are no longer alive due to a terrorist attack and you thought going out to a steak house with friends and then posting about it was a good idea? Fire yourself."

The Republicans Against Trump X account wrote: "Delete your account."

In a follow-up post around 2 hours later, Landry said: "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 remain open for business!"

What Happens Next

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information= is asked to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau on (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.