The New Orleans City Council is currently investigating the absence of permanent security bollards on Bourbon Street during the New Year's Day attack. Councilman JP Morrell expressed concerns over conflicting information regarding the timing of when the work on the bollards should have started. As the incoming Council president, Morrell stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted in the upcoming weeks to address this issue.
City officials have mentioned that the existing barricades on Bourbon Street were being replaced in preparation for hosting Super Bowl LIX on February 9. During New Year's Eve, only a single police cruiser was used to block the entrance to Bourbon Street. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, managed to drive his truck onto the sidewalk by bypassing the police barrier.
Morrell emphasized the importance of having security bollards not only for the upcoming Super Bowl but also for events like the Sugar Bowl and New Year's Eve. He highlighted that New Orleans attracts visitors for various holidays, making it crucial to have proper security measures in place. The absence of permanent bollards and the reliance on temporary barriers during high-traffic events raised concerns about the city's security infrastructure.