President Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans early next week in the aftermath of the deadly Bourbon Street attack. The incoming president of the city council is seeking more information on the federal government's assistance in response to the tragic event.
City council member JP Morrell emphasized the need for additional resources from the federal government to aid in the recovery efforts. Morrell also expressed concerns about the lack of timely intervention in apprehending the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who had posted concerning messages on social media prior to the incident.
One of the key issues raised by city leaders is the replacement of security barriers on Bourbon Street, which were deemed inadequate in protecting the area. A report from security consultants five years ago had recommended improvements to the existing bollard system, highlighting vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed.
During a recent FBI briefing, it was revealed that Jabbar had posted videos online hinting at his intentions before carrying out the attack. This revelation has raised questions about the effectiveness of monitoring and flagging potential threats on social media platforms.
Morrell expressed surprise at the existence of a 2019 report recommending enhancements to Bourbon Street's security infrastructure, indicating that the current council was unaware of its findings.
The city council is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the security measures in place and ensuring that necessary improvements are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
