I was anticipating just these sorts of liability lawsuits when I was calculating the insurance cost (because insurance will defend the city and its mayor unless they can without doubt say the allegations are not covered, and that's unlikely - a savvy attorney can always draft the complaint in such a way that it's not 100% clear, so coverage is triggered). And in this case, a lawsuit is fully justified. Also disciplinary action, although I'm not sure the governor can bring any pressure to bear to an independent local city, other than the power of the bully pulpit.

Too bad there aren't any lawyers left in New Orleans or surrounds, and won't be for months (some are never coming back).