NEW ORLEANS — Following a terror attack that occurred on New Year’s Day in the French Quarter, local authorities are expressing confidence in the security measures put in place for the upcoming Super Bowl.
An influx of over 125,000 attendees, including President Donald Trump, is anticipated this week as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to clash at the Caesars Superdome, crowning the NFL champion for the season.
In light of the deadly truck ramming incident that resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries on Bourbon Street, security concerns have led to a series of lawsuits and investigations. Nevertheless, city officials, the NFL, and law enforcement agencies are asserting that they are fully prepared after more than a year of extensive planning.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell emphasized, “We’re going above and beyond what we’ve seen in the past when we’ve hosted previously. We know we’re safer than we’ve ever been.”
So, what does the security presence entail?
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick announced on Wednesday that around 2,000 law enforcement personnel will be deployed during the Super Bowl.
Vehicle access will be prohibited on Bourbon Street, with intersections leading to popular areas also being blocked, she explained.
The presence of security has been escalated due to Trump’s visit, requiring extended road closures to ensure a secure route for him, Kirkpatrick added.
Federal Aviation Administration regulations will ban drones over downtown New Orleans and around the Superdome in the lead-up to the game, with airspace restrictions extending to 18,000 feet.
Additionally, armed federal air marshals will patrol transportation hubs in the city, monitoring for suspicious activities and keeping an eye out for drones, according to Noel Curtin, a supervisory air marshal from the Transportation Security Administration.
Special events surrounding the Super Bowl will extend into various neighborhoods beyond the stadium. Eric DeLaune, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, noted that federal agencies, including the FBI and the Secret Service, are deploying rooftop snipers and armored SWAT vehicles in key areas such as the stadium, the French Quarter, and downtown.
Entry to a secured zone around the Superdome will be restricted to credential holders, and the city has initiated road closures around the stadium. The perimeter will feature blast barriers, with trucks required to pass through large X-ray machines typically used at border checkpoints, DeLaune informed.
In preparation, a significant team comprising dozens of technicians and over 100 bomb-sniffing dogs is working tirelessly to inspect the Superdome’s extensive facility and its seating arrangements before the big day. DeLaune stated, “They’re going to go from top to bottom on that building to make sure it’s clear and it’s safe. They open every door, check under every seat.”
A large portion of the security measures established for the Super Bowl will continue into the Mardi Gras season, which has been elevated to Homeland Security’s highest risk rating to garner additional resources.
The January 1st incident has prompted adjustments to existing security protocols. Several lawsuits allege that city officials were aware of the vulnerabilities on Bourbon Street that contributed to the attack, during which the perpetrator drove his vehicle into pedestrians after evading police barricades.
Officials confirmed that a new bollard system designed to obstruct vehicle access was being installed at the time of the attack and is expected to be completed by the Super Bowl. More robust physical barriers have also been added at access points to address concerns regarding potential vehicle intrusions.
In the wake of the incident, DeLaune mentioned that the NFL and both state and federal agencies are reevaluating their security measures, particularly after hiring former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton and his team from a renowned security firm.
Despite the heightened security, no specific threats have been identified, according to NFL security chief Cathy Lanier.
In January, Governor Jeff Landry took actions to clear homelessness encampments near the stadium, relocating individuals to temporary shelters.
Additionally, an “enhanced security zone” along Bourbon Street was created for the Super Bowl weekend, with 350 National Guard members deployed for support.
Following the discovery of improvised explosive devices left by the assailant in the French Quarter, Landry announced a ban on coolers and mandated bag searches for those entering the Bourbon Street area throughout Super Bowl weekend.
According to local law, firearms, including those for permitless concealed carry, are permitted on Bourbon Street but prohibited inside bars, as clarified by city and state police.
Kirkpatrick highlighted the importance of responsible firearm carrying, urging, “Booze and firearms don’t mix.” She warned that visitors should exercise caution, stating, “People will be extremely unwise to bring a firearm into our hospitality areas.”
In a modern approach to security, the Superdome’s management has partnered with Dataminr, an artificial intelligence firm, to keep tabs on potential threats in real time.
Dataminr will utilize a vast array of public data sources in over 150 languages to analyze trends and provide alerts regarding crowd dynamics or incidents as they arise.
Their system integrates various data points, allowing for prompt responses to occurrences, as explained by Dataminr Chief Security Officer Robert Crowley.
Additionally, the city’s NOLA Ready Public Safety App provides visitors with the capability to report suspicious behaviors and receive crucial security updates.
