As New Orleans gears up for its Carnival season, Louisiana is initiating a comprehensive investigation into the tragic New Year's Day massacre that claimed the lives of 14 individuals. State Attorney General Liz Murrill has directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough review of security protocols implemented during New Year's Eve and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The investigation will focus on examining existing security assessments, funding sources, utilization of local, state, and federal resources for security measures, and potential operational shortcomings.
Simultaneously, New Orleans has been granted SEAR 1 status by the Department of Homeland Security for the upcoming Mardi Gras event on March 4. This designation signifies a high level of event security, necessitating extensive federal support such as field intelligence teams, air security, and bomb detection dogs.
Concerns have been raised regarding the city's response to prior safety recommendations, including a 2019 report highlighting the risk of vehicular attacks in the French Quarter and the need for enhanced safety barriers. The full report, recently obtained, revealed challenges in coordinating security efforts among various law enforcement agencies and private security entities.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency to facilitate additional security measures ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, anticipating a significant influx of visitors.
New Orleans police have assured the public of a comprehensive security plan for upcoming events, emphasizing strategic resource deployment to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell has requested federal assistance to assess the city's security infrastructure and address potential vulnerabilities. Efforts are underway to enhance security measures, including the installation of safety structures like bollards.
The FBI disclosed details about the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who meticulously planned the attack using Meta smart glasses to film the area. Investigations are ongoing into Jabbar's prior visits to New Orleans, Egypt, Canada, Atlanta, and Tampa, shedding light on his movements and activities leading up to the tragic incident.
City officials and law enforcement agencies are committed to bolstering security measures and conducting thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
