Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has announced plans to conduct a full review into the security planning for the Sugar Bowl and New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans following the deadly attack on Bourbon Street that left 14 people dead and many more injured. Questions have been raised about why a temporary barrier on Bourbon Street was set down instead of up, allowing vehicles to pass, leading to concerns about potential security oversights. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has pledged her full support and cooperation for the review.
The temporary metal barriers on Bourbon Street, installed in mid-November as part of a project to replace old bollards with stainless steel ones, were intended to prevent cars from entering pedestrian areas. The $2.3 billion infrastructure project in New Orleans included official recommendations for security measures in the French Quarter, such as street cameras, a central command center, better lighting, and high-quality bollards to prevent potential mass casualty events. The FBI had identified the area as a potential target for terrorism, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
Former FBI official Bill Daly, a security and risk management adviser, highlighted the shortcomings of the temporary security measures used on New Year’s Eve, stating that they did not provide the same level of protection as originally intended in the 2017 security report. Daly noted that temporary barricades are commonly used, such as in New York City’s Times Square where cement blocks and vehicles are utilized to block off streets. The lack of adequate protection in place on Bourbon Street during the New Year’s Eve celebrations contributed to the tragic events that unfolded.
City council members in New Orleans have also expressed their intention to conduct investigations into the security measures in place on the morning of the attack. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been in communication with City Council member Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams, among others, to coordinate efforts for a comprehensive review into the security lapses and necessary changes to prevent future incidents. Murrill emphasized the importance of understanding what was done or not done in terms of security planning in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
The review into the security planning for the Sugar Bowl and New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans is expected to shed light on the factors that led to the deadly attack on Bourbon Street. By examining the temporary security measures, official recommendations, and potential oversights, authorities hope to identify areas for improvement and enhance security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, city officials, and the Attorney General’s office demonstrates a commitment to ensuring public safety and preventing acts of violence in high-profile events and tourist areas.
Overall, the tragic events on Bourbon Street have prompted a critical evaluation of security measures in New Orleans, particularly in high-traffic areas during major events. The importance of effective security planning to safeguard public spaces and prevent potential threats has been underscored by the recent attack. With ongoing investigations and reviews into the security planning and response, authorities aim to implement necessary changes and enhancements to protect residents, visitors, and event attendees from future acts of violence. Collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies and city officials are essential in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
