NEW ORLEANS — Following a truck attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, city officials emphasize their comprehensive security plan for Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Over 125,000 visitors, including significant out-of-town guests, are anticipated in New Orleans this week for festivities culminating in the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl matchup at the Caesars Superdome.
After a truck-ramming incident caused casualties and injuries on Bourbon Street, concerns about security gaps prompted reviews and investigations. However, city, NFL, and law enforcement officials assert readiness after over a year of preparations.
“Our security surpasses previous Super Bowls,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell stated. “We’re safer than ever before.”
Security Measures
Around 2,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed for the Super Bowl, according to New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
Bourbon Street will be closed to vehicle traffic, with the city blocking intersections leading to popular areas, Kirkpatrick added.
Security has been enhanced due to President Trump’s announced visit. Road closures will be extended to ensure safe passage, Kirkpatrick noted.
Drones are banned over downtown New Orleans and the Superdome, with flight restrictions extending up to 18,000 feet, per the Federal Aviation Administration.
Federal air marshals will be positioned at transportation hubs to monitor for suspicious activity and counter drone threats, said Noel Curtin of the Transportation Security Administration.
Super Bowl events will extend beyond the stadium, explained Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune, overseeing federal security coordination.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, will utilize rooftop snipers and armored SWAT vehicles around the stadium, French Quarter, and downtown area, DeLaune specified.
Access to a cordoned-off Superdome perimeter will require credentials. Road closures and traffic restrictions near the stadium are already in effect. Blast barriers will be deployed, and trucks will undergo X-ray screening, DeLaune detailed.
Teams of technicians and over 100 bomb-sniffing dogs are conducting a multi-day sweep of the 400,000 square feet Superdome, including all 70,000 seats, DeLaune reported.
“A thorough top-to-bottom search of the building will ensure safety. Every door will be opened, and every seat checked,” DeLaune confirmed.
Much of this security infrastructure will be maintained for Mardi Gras, which has received Homeland Security’s highest risk rating, leading to increased resources and personnel.
Impact of the New Year’s Day Attack
Claims have been made that city authorities were aware of vulnerabilities leading to the truck-ramming attack perpetrated by an Islamic State group-inspired individual. He drove his F-150 past a police barricade, injuring pedestrians before being killed by police.
The bollard system at Bourbon Street’s entrance, under construction at the time of the attack, is expected to be completed before the Super Bowl.
Authorities have implemented additional physical barriers to bolster entry point security following concerns about the bollard system’s effectiveness.
The NFL and federal/city agencies reviewed their plans after January 1st, DeLaune stated. The New Orleans Police Department engaged a former Secret Service agent and his team from Teneo.
“No credible threats” have been identified, NFL security chief Cathy Lanier confirmed.
In January, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry ordered the removal of encampments and relocated unhoused individuals to a temporary shelter.
He established an “enhanced security zone” along Bourbon Street for the Super Bowl weekend, deploying 350 National Guard members.
After discovering undetonated improvised explosive devices planted by Jabbar, Landry banned coolers and ice chests in the area, mandating bag checks for Bourbon Street entry during the Super Bowl.
Firearms, including permitless concealed carry guns, will be permitted on Bourbon Street (excluding bars), according to city and state police.
“Alcohol and firearms are a bad mix,” Kirkpatrick stated, highlighting the need for responsible gun carrying and advising against carrying weapons in hospitality areas.
“Bringing firearms to hospitality areas is ill-advised,” Kirkpatrick emphasized.
AI and Mobile Apps in Security
The Superdome’s owner, ASM Global, partnered with Dataminr to monitor threats in real time.
Dataminr will leverage over 1 million data sources across 150 languages, including social media, dark web forums, and traffic cameras, as explained by Chief Security Officer Robert Crowley.
Dataminr utilizes generative AI to alert Superdome officials to emerging patterns, such as crowd surges or disturbances.
“It synthesizes data to provide a comprehensive overview of unfolding events,” Crowley noted. “Faster awareness allows for quicker, more effective responses.”
The city’s NOLA Ready Public Safety App allows visitors to report suspicious activity and receive security updates.
