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New Orleans to Evaluate Vulnerabilities After Terrorist Attack

Mayor Cantrell Calls for Federal Help to Strengthen City’s Security Ahead of Major Events

NEW ORLEANS — The tragic terrorist attack on January 1 that left 14 dead and 37 others injured has pushed the city into a state of urgency. In response, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for an expert from the federal government to assess New Orleans’ vulnerabilities and help secure the city ahead of its upcoming major events.

With large crowds expected for both the Super Bowl LIX on February 9 and the Mardi Gras parades, the mayor is focused on ensuring the city is fully prepared. The French Quarter, in particular, where the attack took place, has become a major point of concern, and officials are examining the effectiveness of security measures.

Unanswered Questions About Current Security Measures

The tragedy occurred when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old man from Texas, sped through Bourbon Street in a pickup truck, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. Jabbar was later killed in a shootout with police. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of the French Quarter, with city officials now questioning whether the traffic barriers currently being installed are adequate.

The city had recently removed the stainless steel bollards for events like New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, allowing Jabbar to drive through the area without obstruction. Now, questions linger about whether the new bollards, which are set to replace the old ones, will be strong enough to prevent similar attacks in the future.

terrorist attack security measures

Mayor Cantrell emphasized the need for expert advice, saying, “What we’re wanting to do is to ensure that — boots on the ground with that expert advice — to determine whether or not these bollards that you’re talking about are sufficient.”

Cantrell is determined to take further steps if the current barriers are deemed insufficient. She has expressed a willingness to add additional security measures where necessary, ensuring that the city is fully prepared for the influx of people during the next few months.

Assessing the Bigger Picture: Federal Support and Special Designations

In addition to securing the French Quarter, Mayor Cantrell is pushing for more extensive federal support. She has called for Mardi Gras to be designated a federal level-one Special Assessment Event Rating (SEAR), a designation that would allow for increased interagency support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Currently, Mardi Gras has a SEAR level-two rating, which provides some federal support but falls short of the level of assistance Cantrell believes is necessary to handle the large crowds and heightened security risks. The mayor has been advocating for a higher rating since 2019 and sees the recent attack as further proof of the need for enhanced federal involvement.

The mayor’s efforts are already gaining traction, with discussions underway about the possibility of upgrading Mardi Gras’ SEAR status. A level-one designation would bring significant resources to the city, including the deployment of additional federal personnel and assets to support local law enforcement.

Focus Shifts to Future Preparedness as Investigation Continues

As city officials grapple with the aftermath of the attack, the FBI has also released new details about the attacker’s movements. Special Agent Lyonel Myrthil confirmed that Jabbar had traveled internationally in the months leading up to the attack. He visited Cairo, Egypt, for four weeks in the summer of 2024, followed by a trip to Ontario, Canada. The FBI’s ongoing investigation is exploring any connections Jabbar may have had to international terror groups or if he acted alone in carrying out the attack.

The federal agency is working closely with local law enforcement to piece together the events leading up to the attack and assess any further threats. The investigation is expected to take weeks or months, as authorities continue to search for clues and gather intelligence from various sources.

Meanwhile, memorials have been set up in the French Quarter to honor the victims of the attack. Flowers have been placed near the site where the attack took place, and local residents are mourning the loss of their fellow citizens.

New Orleans remains on high alert, and city leaders are committed to ensuring that the tragedies of January 1 do not repeat themselves. With the federal government providing assistance, city officials hope to make the necessary security improvements in time for Mardi Gras and other high-profile events that will draw large crowds to the city.

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