Following the tragic New Year's Eve attack on Bourbon Street that claimed 14 lives and injured many others, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is launching a comprehensive review of the security arrangements for the Sugar Bowl and New Year's Eve celebrations. This comes amid growing concerns over whether New Orleans officials could have taken stronger preventative measures.
A key question being raised by residents and visitors alike revolves around temporary vehicle barriers intended to block access to Bourbon Street. These barriers were reportedly lowered at the time of the attack, enabling Shamsud-Din Jabbar to drive a truck through the New Year's crowd. The temporary metal barriers were installed in mid-November as part of an ongoing project to replace older bollards with stainless steel versions, a project slated to continue through January.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill speaking at a press conference in New Orleans on January 1, 2025. (Attorney General of Louisiana Liz Murrill)
A 2017 infrastructure project, with a budget of $2.3 billion, outlined recommendations for enhancing security in the French Quarter. These recommendations, prompted by the FBI's identification of the area as a potential target for mass casualty events, included installing robust bollards on Bourbon Street, along with street cameras, a central command center, improved lighting, and high-quality bollards similar to those used by the U.S. government around its buildings.
Pedestrians passing temporary barriers at the intersection of Orleans and Bourbon Street on January 2, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Former FBI official and security consultant Bill Daly highlighted the inadequacy of the temporary barriers used on New Year's Eve, emphasizing that they fell short of the protection level envisioned in the 2017 report. Daly drew parallels with New York City's security measures in Times Square, where authorities utilize cement blocks and vehicles like garbage trucks as temporary barricades to secure the area.
A barricade on Bourbon Street (right) raised on January 2, contrasting with a lowered barrier on another French Quarter street (left) on the same day. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
In addition to Murrill's investigation, several city council members are also planning independent inquiries into the security provisions in effect during the attack. Murrill has reportedly been in contact with City Council member Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams, and other officials to discuss the comprehensive review. She emphasized a collective commitment to understanding the events leading up to the attack and implementing necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.
