NEW ORLEANS — City officials in New Orleans express confidence in their security measures as preparations ramp up for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, following a tragic terror incident that resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals on New Year’s Day. Concerns regarding possible security weaknesses remain in light of this incident.

At a press gathering, Mayor LaToya Cantrell emphasized the city’s readiness, stating, “We know that we’re ready but guess what? We’re wanting to double down on those efforts just to make sure.” Officials report that extensive planning has been underway for over two years, with approximately 400 police officers deployed alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during the events.

With the 11th Super Bowl set to take place on February 9, projections indicate that around 100,000 visitors are expected to flood the city, according to Collin Arnold, the director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The festivities of Mardi Gras, occurring on March 4, are also anticipated to attract large crowds.

In response to security concerns, Mardi Gras has recently been categorized by Homeland Security as a high-threat event, a designation that enables the allocation of additional federal resources. The New Orleans Police Department engaged former New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton as a consultant this week, and is actively reinforcing security protocols throughout the city.

Investigations are currently underway to determine how an attacker influenced by the Islamic State was able to navigate an F-150 truck onto the iconic Bourbon Street and collide with New Year’s celebrations. A lawsuit has been filed claiming negligence on the part of city officials and contractors in implementing necessary security measures that might have thwarted or lessened the severity of the attack.

Mayor Cantrell mentioned that the city is reviewing its security infrastructure and plans to enhance it by installing additional steel barriers designed to restrict vehicular access to pedestrian areas. There are concerns that newly installed protective steel columns, known as bollards, on Bourbon Street may not be sufficiently robust to obstruct similar assaults in the future.

“We’re going to ensure that the best protections are in place for the city of New Orleans, evaluating all equipment,” stated Cantrell.

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick was reticent about divulging specific details related to the Super Bowl safety plans but assured that the NFL’s security team holds confidence in the preparations.

City Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño proclaimed that the city is committed to exploring all possible financial means to ensure safety: “Let’s prepare and use whatever means financially, and we’ll address that afterward.” In an effort to calm the nerves of visitors ahead of the events, Council President J.P. Morrell reassured everyone, saying that New Orleans remains a welcoming place: “We are still that place, you will still be welcomed, you will still enjoy everything New Orleans has to offer.”