New Orleans is facing intense scrutiny over its security preparations ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention, with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry expressing deep concerns about the city’s readiness.
Landry, a Republican, has been a vocal critic of the city’s security measures, saying there are “a lot of questions that need to be answered” about the plans in place to protect attendees and the general public.
“I’m not confident in the security preparations that I’ve seen so far,” Landry said in an interview. “I think it’s unacceptable that we’re still having these discussions at this late stage.”
Landry’s comments come as the city prepares to host thousands of delegates, journalists, and protesters for the convention, which is expected to take place in late July and early August.
The attorney general’s concerns are echoed by some city officials, who have also raised questions about the city’s ability to provide adequate security.
“I think we’re going to have to work very closely with the federal government and other law enforcement agencies to make sure we’re prepared for the event,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We’re going to have to do a lot of work to make sure we’re providing the necessary resources and support.”
The city’s security preparations have been criticized by some as being inadequate, with concerns about everything from crowd control to emergency response.
The New Orleans Police Department has been working with federal and state agencies to develop a comprehensive security plan, but some officials have expressed concerns about the plan’s effectiveness.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure the city is safe and secure, but we need to do better,” said NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. “We’re working closely with our partners to make sure we’re prepared for any situation that may arise.”
Despite the concerns, city officials remain confident that they can provide a safe and secure environment for attendees and the general public.
“We’re committed to making sure everyone who comes to New Orleans for the convention has a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Cantrell. “We’re going to work hard to make sure we’re prepared for every eventuality.”