Police Presence Increases Outside Cafe Du Monde After Attack

Police in tactical gear gather on the corner of Spain and Urquhart street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Brook)

Life is continuing as normal outside New Orleans’ famous Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street, just a few blocks south of this morning’s attack.

A tuba player plays a mournful “Auld Lang Syne” and “The Star Spangled Banner” as dozens of customers wait to get a seat at the cafe.

One noticeable difference is the group of heavily armed police officers stationed outside the cafe. One customer walked among the officers, handing them small cups of coffee, which they accepted.

Tuba player performing 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'The Star Spangled Banner.'

Heavily armed police officers stationed outside Cafe du Monde.

Customers waiting for seats at the cafe amidst the normalcy.

Georgia and Notre Dame fans are milling about wearing their team’s colors ahead of tonight’s Sugar Bowl game, but the mood among fans has been noticeably more subdued compared to previous days.

The college football playoff quarterfinal between Notre Dame and Georgia will still be played as scheduled at 8:45 p.m. ET at the Superdome stadium, located less than a mile from where the attack occurred.

Authorities have asked the public to steer clear of the investigation area.