On New Year’s Day, tragedy struck New Orleans’ French Quarter when a truck drove into a crowd, resulting in 14 fatalities.
This devastating incident highlighted major security failures, despite previous cautions about such threats, CNN reported.
In 2019, a security consultant flagged the French Quarter as a potential target for terror attacks, including shooting sprees and vehicle assaults. The consultant suggested immediate enhancements to bollard systems for public protection, emphasizing their necessity. Yet, on the day of the attack, some areas remained vulnerable due to ongoing construction begun just two months prior.
Authorities had portable barriers like Archer barriers at their disposal, but these were left unused. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick admitted she was unaware of their existence until after the attack. Many weaker barriers, including temporary orange ones, were ineffective, as noted by both residents and tourists.
Witness Jimmy Cothran commented on the failed security measures, stating, “Those barricades were not up, period.” Meanwhile, Jose Lieras, a visitor, expressed concern over vehicle access, citing the potential for similar incidents if streets aren’t blocked entirely during nighttime.
Surveillance footage revealed that the attacker managed to navigate past an already scheduled police vehicle by switching to the sidewalk. After overcoming a minor barrier, the truck continued its assault, showcasing another breach in security plans. The parking of a police car at the entrance proved insufficient to deter this calculated attack.
Local governmental bodies and law enforcement agencies are investigating and patching security holes that permitted this tragedy. The city council and police are examining why vital safety features went unimplemented. According to Councilwoman Lesli Harris, the attacker determined to strike New Orleans, which makes the entire city's security infrastructure suspect.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick believes that “the terrorist defeated it,” highlighting a potentially flawed security strategy that allowed the gap. Nevertheless, Harris remarked that quick police action near the attack's intersection helped mitigate further casualties, emphasizing the diligent law enforcement presence as the attacker neutralized swiftly.
Governor Jeff Landry vowed to prioritize security improvements: “We’re going to fix it. It is going to be a top priority as we go into the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the solution that we’re going to come up with is going to be a permanent one.”
The council and police are also preparing to upgrade security infrastructure for future events such as Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. This move follows conversations suggesting that previous communications breakdowns contributed to the negligent state of Bourbon Street's defense at the time of the incident.
Jean-Paul Morrell, a member of the city council, stressed the importance of consistent messaging, noting “contradictory messages internally” regarding security implementations. Echoing these sentiments, Rodger Shanahan pointed out the importance of taking threats seriously and correctly resourcing preventive measures. These comments underline the urgent call for comprehensive, effective safety plans.
Security expert Charles Ramsey highlighted the complexities inherent in securing areas like Bourbon Street. Acknowledging both residential and business needs, Ramsey suggested flexible yet robust strategies to efficiently protect such a dynamic environment. These strategies should balance the protection against threats while meeting community needs.
Despite the swift engagement by law enforcement during the attack, residents and officials remain vigilant. Street closures and enhanced security will likely continue to be parts of ongoing discussions as the city strives for a safer experience for all.
