The New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans may be on the minds of Kansas City fans who plan to attend Sunday’s Super Bowl game between the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Security experts confirm heightened measures, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier said.
“In the weeks since the New Year’s Day attack, we have asked for and received some additional law enforcement support,” she said. “And we’ve really polished up a robust intelligence information-sharing plan with all of our partners.”
Officials report fourteen people were killed and up to 35 injured when a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street. Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas was identified as the suspect in the attack. He died in a shootout with police after he fired at officers. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry amended a state-of-emergency order initially issued on January 1. The executive order allows for emergency assistance for potential disaster relief to prepare for the scenario of another attack during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
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“Super Bowl LIX is the perfect opportunity to showcase New Orleans as the world-class city it is,” Landry wrote on X. “In order to do this, we must prioritize the safety of every single visitor and resident in the city.”
Security zones established around the French Quarter, in addition to the one surrounding the Superdome. The Department of Homeland Security will guard the zones with strict checkpoints to prevent any weapons or explosive devices from entering. Officers will inspect all bags entering these areas. If someone refuses to have his or her bag searched, entry into the enhanced security zone will not be permitted, he said.
“We want cooperation with the public in balancing freedom to enjoy the Quarter with the need for these heightened security measures based upon the threat level that we saw on January 1,” Landry said. Federal teams monitor throughout the area.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice and wire services