Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser sharply criticized New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in the wake of a series of shootings in the city, calling her a “national embarrassment” for failing to adequately address the crisis. The outburst came after Nungesser toured the city with Governor John Bel Edwards, viewing the damage caused by the gunfire and speaking with first responders and business owners.
“We’re getting reports of gunfire at 2, 3, 4, 5 in the morning. This is unacceptable,” Nungesser said during a press conference. “This is not the city I grew up in. This is not the city I know. We have a serious problem here.”
Nungesser claimed that Cantrell’s administration had failed to address the issue of gun violence and that the mayor was not taking the necessary steps to protect the city’s residents and visitors.
“I’ve spoken to the governor, I’ve spoken to the police chief, and I’ve spoken to the mayor, and I’ve told them all the same thing: this is unacceptable. We need a plan, and we need a plan now,” Nungesser said.
Cantrell has faced criticism from some in the city for her handling of the crisis, and Nungesser’s comments may add to the pressure on the mayor to take more decisive action.
