NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to recent incidents and allegations in the local media:

"I've been clear in my support of the process. This summons is standard procedure, and I vigorously defend every citizen's right to approach such matters in the manner defined by society and by law. I will continue to pray for Belden. I have known him for years and believed him to be in crisis. That belief has been confirmed by a sadly distorted recounting of events that included profanity and threats from him. 

At no point did I threaten him in any manner, nor did we discuss his Congressional race. After he called my office expressing an urgent need to speak with me, I went to see someone whom I know out of concern for a fellow human being. I harbor no ill will towards him and will continue to pray for him."

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Media Contact:

Jarvis Lewis

Chief of Staff

Office of District "B" Councilmembers Jay H. Banks

Jarvis.Lewis@nola.gov 

504.658.1028