Investigations reveal that malfunctioning barriers were removed for repairs ahead of the NFL Super Bowl, raising questions about public safety protocols.
Security Measures Gap Contributes to Deadly New Orleans Attack
Security Measures Gap Contributes to Deadly New Orleans Attack
The absence of functional bollards in New Orleans' French Quarter is linked to a tragic New Year's Day incident that left 14 dead and 35 injured.
In early hours of New Year’s Day, New Orleans witnessed a tragic incident as a truck plowed through a crowd in the French Quarter, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to an additional 35. The police have confirmed that the suspect was identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas resident and US Army veteran, who also died during the attack.
Authorities reported that security barriers known as bollards were not in position due to ongoing renovations, a decision made as the city prepared for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl on February 9. Louisiana officials stated that these concrete, metal, or other material posts serve as protective barriers meant to prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian-only zones. While a police vehicle was stationed at an intersection to restrict access to Bourbon Street, the suspect managed to circumvent it and drove onto the sidewalk, police records show.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged on Wednesday that the department was aware of the bollard situation and had taken precautions to bolster security in high-risk areas. "We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it," she stated. In response to the attack, city officials have announced heightened security measures for the Sugar Bowl American football game, which was rescheduled to Thursday afternoon following the incident.
According to Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the installation of bollards in Bourbon Street began over a decade ago; however, issues arose with malfunctioning barriers attributed to clogs from Mardi Gras beads. These concerns led officials to expedite renovations prior to the Super Bowl.
While authorities have stressed their existing security measures, including the presence of officers and road blocks, experts have raised commentary on whether the attack could have been prevented if the bollards had been operational. University of Michigan professor and counterterrorism expert Javed Ali remarked on the varying factors influencing the outcome, suggesting that even functional bollards may not have entirely thwarted a determined assailant driving a truck at high speeds.
Adding to the concerns, a report from 2017 commissioned by the city outlined the French Quarter as a notable risk area for terrorism, highlighting its susceptibility due to dense pedestrian traffic. As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant while grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
Authorities reported that security barriers known as bollards were not in position due to ongoing renovations, a decision made as the city prepared for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl on February 9. Louisiana officials stated that these concrete, metal, or other material posts serve as protective barriers meant to prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian-only zones. While a police vehicle was stationed at an intersection to restrict access to Bourbon Street, the suspect managed to circumvent it and drove onto the sidewalk, police records show.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged on Wednesday that the department was aware of the bollard situation and had taken precautions to bolster security in high-risk areas. "We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it," she stated. In response to the attack, city officials have announced heightened security measures for the Sugar Bowl American football game, which was rescheduled to Thursday afternoon following the incident.
According to Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the installation of bollards in Bourbon Street began over a decade ago; however, issues arose with malfunctioning barriers attributed to clogs from Mardi Gras beads. These concerns led officials to expedite renovations prior to the Super Bowl.
While authorities have stressed their existing security measures, including the presence of officers and road blocks, experts have raised commentary on whether the attack could have been prevented if the bollards had been operational. University of Michigan professor and counterterrorism expert Javed Ali remarked on the varying factors influencing the outcome, suggesting that even functional bollards may not have entirely thwarted a determined assailant driving a truck at high speeds.
Adding to the concerns, a report from 2017 commissioned by the city outlined the French Quarter as a notable risk area for terrorism, highlighting its susceptibility due to dense pedestrian traffic. As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant while grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
