New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is proactively addressing security concerns following a deadly New Year's Day truck attack. The city is seeking a tactical expert to assess its security plan, particularly the effectiveness of new traffic bollards, in preparation for Super Bowl LIX.
Following the incident, where a man drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 fatalities, the city's security protocols are under scrutiny. Mayor Cantrell stressed the urgency for a comprehensive review.
"We need a tactical expert to review all our security plans," Mayor Cantrell stated in a Sunday press conference. "This expert will evaluate whether our current bollard installations are sufficient to deter similar attacks."
The attack occurred early on New Year's Day, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove his vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Jabbar was killed by police at the scene.
While the city is installing new bollards, questions about their effectiveness have been raised. A report by NOLA.com suggests that the chosen bollards might not be robust enough to stop a vehicle of the size used in the attack. Mayor Cantrell acknowledged these concerns, noting the need for a precise assessment.
"This is a work in progress, and we're committed to strengthening public safety measures for not just the Super Bowl, but Mardi Gras as well," she added.
The security review, alongside the bollard installation, is scheduled to be completed before the Super Bowl. However, the city's choice of security consultant and their specific credentials remain undisclosed. The expert's analysis will determine if the current security measures are adequate and, if not, what modifications are needed.
