Text messages between Mitch Landrieu and chief of staff urging him to return to NOLA

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Screen shots of text messages from Landrieu’s two cell phones show the mayor first asked his Chief of Staff, Brooke Smith, about the flooding at 5:28 pm Central.

“Is all ok?” Landrieu texted to Smith.

She replied, “Lots of rain and street flooding at the moment. Am on call with [Emergency Operations Center] and comms. Will update shortly.”

Ten minutes later, Jefferson Parish Council Member Chris Roberts texted Landrieu, “Not sure how bad water situation is by you guys but all of our fire departments have boats. If you guys need assistance just let us know.”

Landrieu forwarded that text to New Orleans Homeland Security Director Aaron Miller adding, “From jeff parish. What’s up.”

Miller replied, “Received. A rain band has stalled out. Causing excessive street flooding no reports of emergency rescues needed.”


An hour later, Governor John Bel Edwards texted Landrieu, “Mayor: I’m in Aspen at [Democratic Governors Association] meeting. You need any help with rain/flooding in Nola”.

Landrieu responded, “We are in touch with your team and will make requests as needed. We are good at the moment. I am in Aspen as well at Aspen Institute. I have been in touch with my team. But I think we are ok.”

An hour later, 8:12 p.m., Landrieu forwarded the governor's question to his chief of staff.

“From gov. Is all ok. Are we ok... Or do we need help,” he wrote.

Smith responded, “Over 40 reported street flooding incidents. All underpasses flooded. Aaron, [Sewerage & Water Board Executive Director Cedric Grant] will do 5/6 newscasts 4-6 inches of rain in parts of the city in an hour. Pumps are working but can’t keep up.”

She texted again, “No deaths or significant injuries.”

But by late Saturday night, Landrieu’s top advisors were urging him to get on a plane to New Orleans the next morning.


Brooke Smith texted Landrieu, “We think you should take the 8:15 a.m. flight via Denver back to MSY tomorrow. Planning an afternoon press avail.”

What happened next is unclear. The cell phone logs provided in response to the public records request by City Hall are incomplete.


Landrieu was scheduled to speak at the Zell mansion Sunday night.

Just before midnight, Smith texted Landrieu, “For now we will work on getting you back as early as possible on Monday if you are in agreement. If things worsen we’ll regroup. Thanks.”

“He regrets not coming back immediately. That's out of his own mouth. We don't have to add or subtract from that,” Walker said.

On August 6 at 9:38 a.m., the mayor texted his chief of staff "How r we doing". She replied, "We are doing well."

But a few hours later, Smith once again recommended Landrieu take an earlier flight.

Travel records show he was originally scheduled to leave Aspen Monday afternoon, but Landrieu ended up changing his flight, arriving back in New Orleans at 1:30 pm on August 7.

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