A vehicle attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans Wednesday morning, which resulted in at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries, has brought renewed scrutiny to the city's security infrastructure. The incident occurred as the city was in the process of replacing pedestrian safety barriers, known as bollards, which were intended to prevent vehicle incursions.
The attack happened around 3:15 a.m. local time when a driver maneuvered a pickup truck onto a crowded sidewalk. City officials had removed older, malfunctioning bollards for replacement ahead of the Super Bowl in February. These bollards, intended to prevent incidents like this, were not yet installed.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell stated that the bollard replacement was near completion and meant to be ready prior to the Super Bowl. In the interim, law enforcement deployed patrol cars and other barriers as a temporary solution. However, these were circumvented when the attacker drove onto the sidewalk. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged that while security measures were in place, they were insufficient to stop the perpetrator.
The incident is currently being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism. Authorities believe the attacker may not have acted alone and found possible explosive devices at the scene. Governor Jeff Landry stated that security is now a top priority, especially leading up to the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, with intentions to create a permanent security solution.
Witness accounts indicate that the usual metal barricades were absent on New Year's Eve. The previously installed bollards, which had been introduced to guard against similar vehicular attacks, were ultimately deemed ineffective by police due to repeated malfunctions. City officials plan to install new, removable stainless-steel bollards.
An engineer involved in the replacement project, who remained anonymous, described the project as a "mad dash" to be completed before the Super Bowl. They noted a difference in the temporary barriers used this time, which were simpler than the hydraulic roadblocks installed previously.
The New Orleans City Council also expressed concern about the timeline of the bollard replacement. Council President Helena Moreno added that she didn't believe bollards would have prevented this type of attack due to the attackers intent. Witnesses recounted seeing multiple types of temporary barricades. However, they could not prevent the vehicle from driving onto the sidewalk.
