New Orleans’ efforts to enhance security on Bourbon Street were thrust into the spotlight after a truck attack on Wednesday killed at least 10 people and injured over 30. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s interim security measures as officials work to replace malfunctioning bollards along the famed pedestrian zone.
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, bypassed a police vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk. “We had a plan, but the terrorists defeated it,” Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said at a press conference. She acknowledged that the old barriers, installed in 2017, had persistent issues.
The city is in the process of replacing these bollards with removable, stainless-steel versions that can be securely locked at crosswalks. The upgrades are part of a $40 million security plan tied to preparations for the Feb. 9 Super Bowl at the nearby Superdome. However, the new bollards were not yet operational at the time of the attack.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell explained that the replacement project was nearing completion. The bollards, strategically placed at five locations in the French Quarter, aim to restrict vehicle traffic in densely packed pedestrian areas.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry pledged to address the security gaps exposed by the attack, stating, “This is a top priority as we approach the Super Bowl.”
A 2017 city report had flagged the French Quarter as a potential terrorism target due to its dense crowds, emphasizing the need for improved security infrastructure. New Orleans first installed bollards following a wave of vehicular attacks worldwide. Officials now vow to accelerate their completion to ensure public safety.
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