Senate must quickly confirm Noem as DHS chief in wake of terror attack, Louisiana governor says

Jeff Landry, Republican Governor of Louisiana is calling on Senate lawmakers, especially Democrats, to confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, in the wake of a terrorist attack that rocked New Orleans.

“This is not the time to play games. That’s why I’m also asking Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to allow Kristi Noem to work on Day 1 as Secretary of Homeland Security. There should be no no gap in leadership After the Bourbon Street and Las Vegas attacks, our nation’s security depends on his swift confirmation,” Landry said in a statement.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, chaos erupted on Bourbon Street in New Orleans as revelers took to the streets to celebrate the holiday. The suspect, later identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is accused of plowing a truck into the crowd on the beloved and famous party street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others. Jabbar, who was armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle, later died open 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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“I look forward to speaking with President Biden today to quickly approve my request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration,” he continued.

Landry previously sent a letter to Biden detailing the need for the statement as the city prepares to handle other massive public events this year, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, following the terrorist attack.

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“This terrorist attack has caused significant harm to our visitors and residents, disruption of essential services and overflow of local and state resources during a time when the city hosts several large-scale 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 attract tourists from around the world, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated Super Bowl LIX as a Special Event Planning Assessment Level 1 (“SEAR”),” ​​he said. write Landry in his letter to Biden in January. 2.

Trump announced South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as his pick to lead DHS, which oversees key national security and law enforcement agencies such as US Customs and Border Protection. Immigration and customs controlthe US Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, last year after his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Landry urges Senate lawmakers to support Noem as DHS chief after terror attack comes as law enforcement groups and leaders across the country also lend their support behind candidate Trump, asking lawmakers to quickly confirm it on paper.

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At least eight police groups or unions have issued letters to Sen. Rand Paul, who sits on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, urging the Senate to confirms Noem in order to strengthen national security, including to combat the immigration crisis along the southern border, as well as stem the flow of deadly narcotics across the border.