New Orleans homeless sweep protest outside Taylor Swift concert

A group of protestors have gathered outside of the Casears Superdome ahead of Taylor Swift’s second concert in New Orleans. The protestors are advocating for the city’s homeless amid a push from Gov. Jeff Landry to sweep encampments across New Orleans. People could be heard chanting “Homeless Lives Matter” as they gathered at the intersection of Poydras Street and Lasalle Street. The protesters also held up signs that read, “No to Sweeps, Yes to Housing,” and “Swifty is shifty on homeless along with Gov. Landry.” Earlier this week, Gov. Jeff Landry authorized Troop NOLA to remove tents and tarps and move homeless people to a “sanctioned encampment” ahead of Swift’s concerts.Despite requests from city leaders to delay the cleanups, the governor’s office proceeded, clearing a site on Calliope Wednesday.A temporary restraining order has been granted by a Civil District Court judge to stop any further movement of the homeless until a hearing is held. WDSU reached out to Landry’s office on Tuesday for a response to the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy plea to halt the sweeps. Kate Kelly of Landry’s office responded, stating, “Governor Landry understands the number one issue facing the city of New Orleans right now is the homelessness crisis, and he is working with LSP and local officials to fix this problem. As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring New Orleans puts its best foot forward when on the world stage.”