On New Year's Day, a truck attack in New Orleans resulted in 14 deaths and injuries to at least 35, raising serious questions about the city's security measures.
New Orleans Security Barriers Malfunctioned Before New Year's Attack
New Orleans Security Barriers Malfunctioned Before New Year's Attack
Bollards intended to protect pedestrians were out of operation, contributing to tragic incident in the French Quarter.
In a shocking start to 2024, an attack in New Orleans' French Quarter killed 14 and left at least 35 injured when a suspect drove a truck into a crowd, bypassing expected security measures. Prior to the incident, key street barriers known as bollards were undergoing renovations and had malfunctioned. Louisiana officials confirmed that these essential protections, which are usually in place to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas, were removed ahead of the NFL Super Bowl scheduled for February 9.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia characterized the attack as an act of terrorism. Despite police efforts to block access to the famously crowded Bourbon Street with a vehicle, the suspect, 42-year-old veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was able to navigate around it and onto the sidewalk. Jabbar, who also lost his life in the attack, raised alarm as New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick disclosed the awareness surrounding the bollard situation.
"We did have plans in place, but the terrorist was adept at circumventing them," she stated. In response to the tragedy, security measures have been heightened for the upcoming Sugar Bowl game, and Bourbon Street was set to reopen just in time for the event. Governor Jeff Landry added that security reinforcements were being implemented.
History shows that New Orleans has long utilized bollards to bolster pedestrian safety. However, Mayor LaToya Cantrell revealed that many had started to malfunction due to obstructions from Mardi Gras beads, prompting replacements before the Super Bowl.
Experts express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of bollards, noting the unpredictable nature of such attacks. "A vehicle ramping at high speeds might well have disregarded the barriers entirely," remarked counterterrorism professor Javed Ali. Noting that the French Quarter had been flagged as a potential target for terrorism years earlier, this tragic event has sparked urgent discussions on enhancing city security protocols.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia characterized the attack as an act of terrorism. Despite police efforts to block access to the famously crowded Bourbon Street with a vehicle, the suspect, 42-year-old veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was able to navigate around it and onto the sidewalk. Jabbar, who also lost his life in the attack, raised alarm as New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick disclosed the awareness surrounding the bollard situation.
"We did have plans in place, but the terrorist was adept at circumventing them," she stated. In response to the tragedy, security measures have been heightened for the upcoming Sugar Bowl game, and Bourbon Street was set to reopen just in time for the event. Governor Jeff Landry added that security reinforcements were being implemented.
History shows that New Orleans has long utilized bollards to bolster pedestrian safety. However, Mayor LaToya Cantrell revealed that many had started to malfunction due to obstructions from Mardi Gras beads, prompting replacements before the Super Bowl.
Experts express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of bollards, noting the unpredictable nature of such attacks. "A vehicle ramping at high speeds might well have disregarded the barriers entirely," remarked counterterrorism professor Javed Ali. Noting that the French Quarter had been flagged as a potential target for terrorism years earlier, this tragic event has sparked urgent discussions on enhancing city security protocols.
