ATLANTA — City officials in Atlanta are reassessing their security protocols following the New Year’s Eve vehicle incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. This event has prompted them to refine safety measures for significant upcoming gatherings, including the national championship college football game set for Monday. Officials stress the importance of vigilance, urging attendees to report any perceived threats they encounter online similar to how they would report a suspicious item or individual at these events.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum highlighted the relevance of the New Orleans attack, in which a rented pickup truck was driven into a crowd, resulting in over a dozen fatalities and around 30 injuries. He emphasized the significance of understanding tactics used by perpetrators, such as the deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in public spaces.
“This is not simply an issue concerning New Orleans,” Schierbaum remarked. “Our focus extends globally, observing where attackers might seek to inflict harm. We are diligent in ensuring the safety of our community.”
During a news briefing held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is set to host the matchup between the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, city leaders presented their overarching security strategies. They also reassured the public of their readiness to provide safety during events linked to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.
While avoiding divulging specific details about security arrangements, the police chief did mention that explosives were concealed in coolers during the New Orleans attack. He cautioned that areas prohibiting coolers would be closely monitored, urging attendees to refrain from bringing them along.
Schierbaum reiterated the familiar phrase, “If you see something, say something,” emphasizing the need for community awareness in the digital realm as well. He pointed out that threatening social media posts made by the New Orleans assailant preceded the tragic incident by only hours.
“I urge everyone to take seriously any threatening messages you may encounter on social media,” Schierbaum stated. “As conscientious citizens, you have a responsibility to report any threats to law enforcement immediately if you notice someone potentially planning to harm an event or endanger our community.”
