'No time to play': Senate must swiftly approve Noem as DHS chief after terror attack, says Louisiana governor.

Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana, a Republican, is urging Senate lawmakers, particularly Democrats, to confirm President-elect Trump's nominee for head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, following a terrorist attack in New Orleans.

"There is no time to waste. Therefore, I urge Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee to expedite the confirmation of Kristi Noem as our Secretary of Homeland Security. Our nation's security is at stake, and we cannot afford any delay in leadership. In light of the recent attacks in Bourbon Street and Las Vegas, it is imperative that Noem gets to work on Day 1," Landry stated on Monday.

On New Year's Day, a truck was rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others. The suspect, later identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle and was killed after opening fire on police.

The Republican governor is expected to meet with President Biden on Monday to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration after the attack.

He continued, "I eagerly anticipate discussing my request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration with President Biden today."

Biden received a letter from Landry regarding the necessity of declaring a state of emergency as the city prepares for upcoming massive public events, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

The terrorist attack has caused significant harm to visitors and residents, disrupted essential services, and overwhelmed local and state resources during a time when the city is hosting 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 bring in tourists from around the world and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated Super Bowl LIX as a Special Event Planning Assessment ("SEAR") Level 1.

Trump appointed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the DHS, which oversees critical national security and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2020 election.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attack, Landry and various law enforcement groups and leaders from across the country are urging Senate lawmakers to swiftly confirm Noem as DHS chief.

Eight police groups or unions have written to Sen. Rand Paul, who serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, urging the Senate to confirm Noem to enhance national security, particularly in addressing the immigration crisis and reducing the influx of dangerous drugs across the southern border.