In the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack that claimed 14 lives and injured dozens, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell emphasized the city’s preparedness to host Super Bowl LIX, reassuring the public that safety remains a top priority.
“We are more than ready to host Super Bowl LIX,” Cantrell stated during a press conference on January 10. “Come to the city of New Orleans and feel the NOLA love.”
Federal Protective Service and Department of Homeland Security agents arrived in New Orleans on Friday to assist local authorities. Cantrell had previously requested federal assistance to help identify and address security vulnerabilities in the city. The team worked closely with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the city’s new security advisor, former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, to strengthen safety measures.
City officials, the NFL, and other agencies have implemented years of planning for Super Bowl safety, now enhanced in light of the recent attack. The NOPD is mobilizing 400 officers, supported by 600 state troopers, nearly 1,000 deputies from surrounding regions, and additional federal and National Guard personnel.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick highlighted the breadth of the security force, stating, “That doesn’t even address the National Guard, the military police, the feds. That is all a whole package right there.”
Among the visible enhancements are upgraded archer barriers along Bourbon Street. These barriers, designed to prevent vehicle attacks, were replaced with state-of-the-art models by Meridian Rapid Defense on Friday.
“These are the strongest mobile barriers in their class,” said Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense. “Made out of American steel, they are specifically designed to stop vehicle attacks.”
The new barriers, scheduled for installation prior to the New Year’s Day attack, add an additional layer of protection to the city’s high-traffic areas.
Cantrell stressed the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local authorities. “We started collaborative efforts … working in collaboration across all lines to ensure that we are hardening targeted areas throughout the city of New Orleans,” she said.
With these robust security measures in place, officials are confident in the city’s ability to safely host the week-long Super Bowl festivities, ensuring a secure environment for the tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend.
