AG to launch full review into New Orleans security plan after Bourbon Street attack: report

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has announced plans to conduct a full review into the security planning that was in place for the Sugar Bowl and New Year’s Eve festivities in New Orleans. This decision comes in the wake of growing concerns about whether city officials could have done more to prevent the tragic attack on Bourbon Street that claimed the lives of 14 people and injured many others.

According to a report by NOLA.com, Murrill intends to make a formal announcement about the review on Monday, with New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick pledging her full support and cooperation. The focus of the investigation will be on the temporary barriers that were set up on Bourbon Street, which were intended to prevent vehicles from entering the area. However, these barriers were found to be down on the night of the attack, allowing the perpetrator to drive a truck through the crowded street.

The temporary metal barriers had been installed in mid-November as part of a larger infrastructure project to replace old bollards with new stainless steel ones. The city was in the process of implementing these security measures, with work expected to continue through January. The attack on New Year’s Day has raised questions about why the temporary barriers were not properly secured and why more permanent measures were not in place.

Official recommendations for security measures in the French Quarter, as outlined in a 2017 report, included the installation of new bollards on Bourbon Street to prevent mass casualty events. These recommendations were based on the FBI’s identification of the area as a potential target for terrorism. The report also called for the implementation of street cameras, a central command center, better lighting, and high-quality bollards similar to those used near official government buildings.

Former FBI official Bill Daly, a security and risk management adviser, highlighted the shortcomings of the temporary measures used on New Year’s Eve. He explained that while temporary barricades are commonly used, they may not provide the same level of protection as permanent fixtures. In contrast, cities like New York deploy cement blocks and vehicles like garbage trucks to block off streets during high-profile events.

In addition to Murrill’s review, city council members have expressed their intent to conduct their own investigations into the security measures in place during the attack. Murrill has stated that she is committed to obtaining a comprehensive understanding of what occurred and identifying necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that there are serious questions about the adequacy of security measures in place on Bourbon Street. Murrill’s efforts to conduct a thorough review and collaborate with city officials are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in New Orleans.