Senate must quickly confirm Noem as DHS chief after terror attack, Louisiana governor says
Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry is calling on Senate lawmakers, primarily Democrats, to confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, following the terrorist attack that rocked New Orleans.
“This is no time to play games. That’s why I’m also calling on Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to allow Kristi Noem to start her first day as our Homeland Security Secretary. There should be no leadership vacuum. After the Bourbon attack Street and Las Vegas, our nation’s security depends on its swift confirmation,” Landry said in a statement Monday.
Chaos erupted on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day as revelers took to the streets to celebrate the holiday. The suspect, later identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is accused of driving a truck into crowds on the popular and famous party street, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others. Jabbar, who was armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle, was killed afterward opening fire on the police.
Landry’s office said the Republican governor is expected to meet with President Biden on Monday, when he will press the commander-in-chief to issue a presidential disaster declaration following the attack.
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From left to right, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, President Biden and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. (Getty Images)
“I look forward to speaking with President Biden today about expeditiously approving my request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration,” he continued.
Landry previously sent a letter to Biden detailing the need for the declaration as the city prepares to manage other major public events this year, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, in the wake of the terrorist attack.
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“This terrorist attack caused significant harm to our visitors and residents, disruption of essential services, and overburdening of local and state resources during a time when the city is hosting several major events, including the Sugar Bowl and related activities, as well as the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in the coming weeks. The Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will bring tourists from around the world, and the US Department of Homeland Security has designated Super Bowl LIX as a Level 1 Special Event Planning Assessment (“SEAR”),” Landry wrote in his letter to Biden from January. 2.
Military personnel walk down Bourbon Street on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Trump announced South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as his pick to head DHS, which oversees key national security and law enforcement agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Immigration and Customs Enforcementthe US Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, last year following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work at the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 14 people were killed when a person reportedly drove into a crowd in the early morning hours on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
Landry urges Senate lawmakers to support Noem as DHS chief after terror attack, after law enforcement groups and leaders across the nation also show support behind Trump’s candidate, urging lawmakers to quickly confirm her for the role.
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Former President Donald Trump greets South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem at the South Dakota Republican Party Monumental Leaders Gathering on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Rapid City, South Dakota. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau)
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At least eight police groups or unions have sent letters to Sen. Rand Paul, who sits on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, urging the Senate to confirm Noem order strengthen national security, including combating the immigration crisis along the southern border, as well as stopping the flow of deadly narcotics coming across the border.
