New Orleans' Superdome is just a mile away from the deadly terrorist attack just a few dozen hours after New Year's Day, and is also the venue where the NFL will host its most important game, the Super Bowl, in less than six weeks. .
Given the severity of the terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured at least 35 others, and the resulting heightened safety concerns, the NFL issued a statement Wednesday saying it will ensure the safety of Super Bowl participants. I renewed my resolve.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community, and everyone affected.
“The NFL and local host committees have worked with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years to develop a comprehensive safety plan. These planning sessions will continue as they do for all major NFL events. We are confident that attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
Jay Cicero, chairman of the New Orleans Super Bowl Committee, released a statement after the NFL concluded.
“The New Orleans Super Bowl Committee is in contact with local, state, and federal public safety partners and is actively monitoring the mass casualty incident that occurred in the French Quarter early on New Year's Day. We all I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones.
“Fan and event safety is a top priority for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, the NFL, the New Orleans Saints, the state of Louisiana, and the city of New Orleans. For more than two years, we have worked collaboratively with our public safety partners and the NFL. We have been working on a comprehensive safety plan for the 2025 Super Bowl. These discussions and plans will continue in the coming days and weeks. , friend, visitor.”
The early morning revelry that followed New Year's celebrations was shattered around 3:15 a.m. ET Wednesday when a driver drove his truck into the crowd, killing and injuring dozens of people. The driver, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, then got out of his car and opened fire on police, injuring two officers.
Din Jabbar was killed, but it is unclear whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police firing back.
The Sugar Bowl game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed until Thursday due to heightened safety concerns.
