On August 29 , 2005 , Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi 's coast , killing 231 people , devastating the state 's $ 2.7 billion-a-year casino industry and leaving tens of thousands homeless . ( see Effect of Hurricane Katrina on Mississippi ) . Barbour 's response was characterized by a concerted effort at evacuation , tough-minded talk on looters and an unwillingness to blame the federal government . His response was likened , favorably , to that of Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Haley Barbour