NEW ORLEANS — During a heated city council meeting on Wednesday, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick announced that she has enlisted the expertise of former New York Police Commissioner William J. Bratton as a consultant. This decision follows a tragic terror attack that claimed the lives of 14 individuals in the French Quarter, prompting officials and residents to demand accountability for security failures.
Kirkpatrick firmly stated, “I will not resign. I believe I can be that person to lead us forward,” as she braced for a council investigation into the effectiveness of street barriers in and near Bourbon Street. On New Year’s Day, an attacker inspired by the Islamic State managed to drive his truck around a police blockade and wreak havoc on the renowned street of New Orleans.
The absence of bollards—specifically designed to prevent vehicle access—at the entrance of Bourbon Street has raised significant concerns. These protective pillars were in the process of being replaced, but reports suggest the new designs may not be capable of stopping a rapidly moving truck. In light of these events, Mayor LaToya Cantrell acknowledged that she could not guarantee the new barrier system would be effective against potential future attacks. Furthermore, state Attorney General Liz Murrill has initiated a review of the security protocols that were in place during the New Year celebrations and the Sugar Bowl festivities.
Amid the aftermath, a coalition of law firms publicized that they have taken on nearly two dozen victims from the incident as clients and are probing the incident further. They assert that local authorities were aware of the potential risks yet failed to adequately protect the public. One of the involved firms, Romanucci & Blandin, previously helped George Floyd’s family secure a substantial $27 million settlement against Minneapolis after his death at the hands of a police officer.
In her defense, Kirkpatrick has received recognition for steering the historically troubled police department closer to shedding over a decade of federal oversight imposed due to systemic issues of racial discrimination and corruption. Having taken over the police force in late 2023, she informed council members about her uncertainty regarding the inventory and condition of the security systems around Bourbon Street. Following the attack, she noted that portable barriers had been ruled out due to reported malfunctions. Additionally, she revealed she was unaware that the city had various mobile Archer barriers that could have been used to enhance security.
Bratton, who specializes in risk management and response through his New York-based company Teneo, will have his contract funded by the nonprofit New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. However, neither Bratton nor the foundation provided commentary during the meeting. Kirkpatrick emphasized her commitment to the wellbeing of her officers in the wake of the traumatic event, stating, “There will be a time and a place for reflective review of our actions—that is not today.”
Some council members voiced their apprehension regarding Bratton’s involvement and expressed their dissatisfaction over not being consulted in the hiring process. Councilmember J.P. Morrell called for a more transparent involvement of the public in assessing security procedures alongside Bratton, pointing out that current fears within the community are palpable.
Concerns regarding accountability were heightened when Council President Helena Moreno noted the absence of representatives from the city’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at the meeting, suggesting they could possess critical answers. Collin Arnold, the department’s director, expressed surprise at not being invited and indicated they had previously installed the retractable bollards but deemed them unsuitable for Bourbon Street. Arnold described the obstacles encountered during their operation, stating that debris would often clog the bollards, preventing them from functioning properly.
Councilmember Joe Giarrusso emphasized that without clarity on governance and responsibility regarding Bourbon Street security, the cycle of blame among officials would continue.
At the meeting, the public’s response was overwhelmingly frustrated, with attendees criticizing city leaders for their apparent inability to prevent the attack, attributing it to ongoing infrastructure issues. Nellie Catzen, head of a street improvement advocacy group, remarked, “The response [to the attack] was very well executed, but the preparedness was absolutely an atrocity.” Resident Earl Hagans expressed his dismay, questioning who could be trusted with the community’s safety, asking, “Who is supposed to know these things?”
