Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker has stated that it is premature for law enforcement to classify the recent Bourbon Street attack as an act of terror. The incident occurred in New Orleans during the early hours of New Year's Day, where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and 35 injuries.
Following the crash, the driver engaged in a shootout with police officers before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Swecker emphasized that while the attack appeared to be intentional and planned, it cannot be definitively labeled as terrorism until the motive of the perpetrator is established.
Describing such acts as predictable and preventable, Swecker highlighted the potential for copycat attacks inspired by similar incidents. He noted recent occurrences in New Orleans and Germany, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures to mitigate such risks.
Addressing the security lapses, Swecker raised concerns about the breach of the event perimeter by the truck, suggesting a possible failure in securing the area against vehicular threats. He stressed the importance of establishing robust perimeters around crowded venues during holidays like New Year's to safeguard against potential attacks.
Questioning the ability of a truck to penetrate the perimeter, Swecker pointed out the challenges in preventing such incidents compared to lone gunmen breaching security measures. He urged authorities to reevaluate their security protocols to enhance protection for public gatherings.
