The reason, Simpson told CNN: A Louisiana state police official told them not to come.

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The Times-Picayune said other speakers included representatives of the Louisiana State Police and National Weather Service.

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"These people were simply trying to escape an extremely bad situation, " said Louisiana State Police spokesman Trooper Willie Williams.

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Louisiana State Police spokeswoman Julie Lewis said state authorities have deferred to the FBI and have not opened an investigation.

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Wednesday, Gov. Kathleen Blanco announced that Louisiana State Police officers will protect the families of the Jena 6 and investigate any threats they have received.

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Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation, Tregre said.

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Mark Mix of the Louisiana State Police told CNN late Thursday that a force of police officers would be arriving in New Orleans soon to beef up the law-and-order effort.

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