Mayor Calls for Federal Expert to Strengthen City’s Security as Mardi Gras and Super Bowl Approach
New Orleans is taking immediate action to shore up its security following a deadly terrorist attack on January 1, 2025, that killed 14 people and injured 37 others. As major events, including the Super Bowl and Carnival season, draw near, the city’s leadership is seeking a federal expert to assess vulnerabilities and recommend measures to safeguard thousands of visitors.
Following the deadly attack by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who sped through the crowded Bourbon Street in a pickup truck, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for the federal government to send a tactical expert. This expert would evaluate the city’s current defenses, particularly its protective barriers, ahead of Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl, which are expected to draw huge crowds in the coming weeks.
Vulnerability Concerns Amid Upcoming Major Events
With both Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl just around the corner, the safety of New Orleans’ residents and tourists has become a top priority. City officials are addressing concerns regarding the strength and effectiveness of the new traffic barriers or bollards that have been installed along Bourbon Street.
Though new bollards had been set to replace older, weaker posts, they were removed ahead of New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl. This left Bourbon Street vulnerable during the tragic terrorist attack when Jabbar drove down the street, killing and injuring several people before being shot by police.
Cantrell stated that while contractors have already installed receptacles for the new bollards at key intersections, the city needs expert guidance to determine whether the current barriers are sufficient or if further reinforcements are needed. “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… are sufficient,” Cantrell remarked in a statement on Sunday. “If they’re not, we need to know what changes should be made.”
The expert evaluation would focus on how to better fortify the city, with particular attention to the French Quarter, which is a major gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Federal Support and Increased Security Measures
In light of the recent attack and the looming threat of additional incidents, Mayor Cantrell has also requested that Mardi Gras be designated as a federal level-one Special Assessment Event Rating (SEAR). Currently, Mardi Gras holds a level-two rating, which offers some federal support, but Cantrell has been advocating for a higher rating since 2019.
A level-one SEAR designation would bring significant federal interagency resources, including increased personnel and tactical support from agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. With Mardi Gras beginning soon and the Super Bowl just a month away, the city is working urgently to ensure its security measures meet the highest standards.
What’s Being Done to Protect Visitors and Locals
In addition to evaluating bollard strength, the city has already taken steps to enhance security during major events. Several streets have been closed off, and barricades are being installed to control traffic flow in high-traffic areas. Experts in urban security have been consulted, and additional police patrols are being mobilized to safeguard key areas during festivities.
Here are some of the new measures the city is focusing on to enhance safety:
- Upgraded Traffic Barriers: As mentioned, the city is installing new bollards along Bourbon Street to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering pedestrian-heavy zones.
- Increased Police Presence: Additional officers will be stationed in high-risk areas during Mardi Gras and Super Bowl events to provide quick response capabilities.
- Coordination with Federal Agencies: The FBI and ATF are being closely involved in intelligence gathering and threat assessments.
These combined efforts are aimed at ensuring that future events in New Orleans, which bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors, are safe and secure.
A Call for Vigilance
While New Orleans has faced a tragic and alarming event, the city’s leadership has been quick to take steps toward making the city safer in the face of potential future threats. However, the recent attack highlights the importance of constant vigilance, effective security infrastructure, and expert input to ensure that no corner of the city remains vulnerable.
As the mayor, governor, and federal officials continue to work together, New Orleans is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year — a time when the streets will be crowded with visitors and locals alike, but hopefully with a stronger sense of security.
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