Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a packed room of political figures and business leaders on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish and afterward fielded questions from reporters about the special session starting this week and gun violence in New Orleans.
Edwards said he has had conversations with New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell about gun violence.
“Every time we talk about someone being carjacked or someone being the victim of a violent crime, those aren’t just numbers, those are people and we all know that, so yes, we’ve had conversations and we’re offering assistance as we can. It’s a difficult time because workforce shortages that you’re seeing are in all areas, including law enforcement. I know for example that we are about 300 troopers short in the State Police,” said Edwards.
And Edwards said in response to a question that he would not send the Louisiana Nation Guard to the city, in response to the violence.
“We’re not going to do that. The National Guardsmen are soldiers, they’re not law enforcement officers, you have rules of engagement issues and it’s just, that is not an answer,” said Edwards.
He added that he has not been formally asked to do so.
Edwards opened his remarks to the luncheon audience by talking about the special session starting on Wednesday. Edwards had to quickly call it after a federal judge threw out new congressional maps approved by the Republican-controlled Louisiana legislature.
Edwards, a Democrat, early opposed what state lawmakers passed.