A powerful moment of remembrance took place before Super Bowl LIX on Sunday as the victims of the New Orleans terror attack were honored.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan delivered an emotional tribute to the 14 lives lost and 57 injured in the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street.
During the ceremony, first responders who assisted in the aftermath stood on the field holding framed photos of those who lost their lives. The families of Tiger Bech and Matthew Tenedorio—two of the victims—were given the honor of performing the official coin toss.
Before the game, President Donald Trump met privately with the victims’ families, offering his condolences and support.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced last month that she has directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) to conduct an in-depth study of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.
This investigation will assess the adequacy of security measures and coordination among local, state, and federal entities, alongside examining operational failures that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Murrill consulted with Governor Jeff Landry before initiating the LBI investigation. The review will focus on areas including existing security assessments, funding sources and allocations, the implementation of security measures, and coordination among governmental agencies.
In a statement, Murrill emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, “The People of Louisiana deserve answers… We are committed to a full and complete picture of what was done or not done, and, more importantly, what needs to change to prevent this from ever happening again.”
The New Orleans City Council has announced its own parallel investigation. Council members J.P. Morrell, Joe Giarrusso, and Lesli Harris issued a joint statement supporting Murrill’s efforts while detailing their plans to examine the “contracting, spending, and execution” of security measures in the French Quarter.
Morrell specifically highlighted concerns about the implementation of substandard safety infrastructure, referencing reports from 2019 that flagged vulnerabilities, including ineffective bollards currently in use that can only withstand crashes at low speeds.
