In the wake of Wednesday's terrorist attack in New Orleans, officials announced they are reviewing safety measures for the NFL's upcoming Super Bowl, to be held on Feb. 9 at Caesars Superdome.
Concerns were raised after a man drove his truck into a large group celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring another 30.
The driver of the truck has been identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42. He was shot dead by police after an early morning attack. Authorities also reported that a black ISIS flag was attached to the back gate of Din Jabbar's truck, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.
College football has already postponed the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for Wednesday night. The postponed date for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs game has not yet been announced.
But the terrorist attack also raised questions about the safety and security of the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
“We are excited to welcome New Orleans to New Orleans,” said Walt Leisure III, director of New Orleans & Company, the official tourism marketing organization for the city of New Orleans. said new orleans times picayune This means that all security measures are being reviewed.
“There will be more in-depth discussions in the coming days and weeks to discuss potential enhancements for the Super Bowl,” Leger told the newspaper. “We already had great plans in place, and certainly with an event like this it will be interesting to see what further enhancements will be made.”
Shane Guidry, an aide to Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, expressed similar concerns.
“Clearly, if this is tied to a larger terrorist plot, then we need to rethink our Super Bowl security measures,” Guidry said. “But I think it can be done safely if local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together.”
Still, Jay Cicero, CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Federation, said the city is planning to host its 13th Super Bowl and safety measures are being taken extremely seriously. pointed out.
“For more than two years, we have been working with our public safety partners and the NFL on a comprehensive security plan for the 2025 Super Bowl,” Cicero said. “These discussions and plans will continue over the coming days and weeks.”
Finally, Metropolitan Crime Commission Chairman Gregory Rusovich urged people not to blame the city for Wednesday's attack.
“I don't think you can blame New Orleans for acts of terrorism. Every city is vulnerable to that threat. That's why the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are leading the charge,” Russovich argued. “Now we will continue to work collaboratively with local, state and federal law enforcement to protect visitors and local residents in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.”
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