NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the ongoing tragedy at the site of the Hard Rock collapse calling for justice for the victims' families and stressing the need for additional safeguards to prevent future disasters:

"I stand firm with the people of New Orleans that there should be justice for those who perished in the collapse. For that reason, Councilmember Jason Williams and I strongly spoke out against the deportation of Delmer Joel Ramirez Palma. He was injured during the disaster and may have had information pertinent to the investigation. 

As President of the City Council, I believe it is the role of this legislative body to ensure and demand a proper investigation and seek the truth behind this tragedy. While we have been patient as the official investigation is still ongoing, ultimately, those responsible must be held to account - both for the victims and for the city as well so that we see to it that this never happens again. I also believe we must work to craft proper laws, guidelines and oversight measures to prevent future harm to our people and this city. That work is underway now and meetings continue with stakeholders and union members to develop safeguards. 

In coordination with Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, whose district the disaster occurred in, an upcoming committee hearing on the matter will occur. A future date and time will be determined and publicized as soon as possible."

###

Media Contact:
Andrew Tuozzolo
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno
AVTuozzolo@nola.gov 
(504) 281-9882