Nearly a month after a devastating terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that claimed 14 lives, New Orleans is set to host Super Bowl 59. As the city gears up for the massive event, officials are taking extra precautions to ensure safety, with over 2,700 law enforcement personnel securing the area.
During a press briefing held on Monday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reassured the public, stating, “Right now we have no specific credible threats to this event, which I think should give us all a sense of security.” She emphasized the importance of proactive planning and resource allocation to guarantee a secure environment for the event.
“We recognize the importance of making sure that we’re doing due diligence and being prepared for events as proactively as possible,” Noem continued. “We have partners that we are dedicated to working with to make sure we get through these types of events in a way that has been important to focus on the priorities.”
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Following the tragic attack on January 1st, NFL Chief of Security Cathy Lanier confirmed that the league had reassessed and updated its security plan. “We have reviewed and re-reviewed all the details of what happened on Jan. 1,” said Lanier. “We have reassessed our timing, communication protocols, contingency measures, and emergency response plans multiple times over the past several weeks.”
To safeguard the event, over 2,700 state, federal, and local law enforcement officials will be deployed. In addition to enhanced security personnel, New Orleans will implement a “no-drone zone,” preventing any unauthorized drones from flying near the stadium. This measure follows a brief disruption caused by an unauthorized drone during the Steelers-Ravens wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
On a visit to Bourbon Street, Noem observed the installation of bollards that had been missing during the New Year’s celebrations due to ongoing repairs. “We have an opportunity to learn from what happened,” Noem remarked, adding that she was also there to honor the victims of the attack. “The Super Bowl is the biggest Homeland Security event we do every single year.”
The Super Bowl has been assigned a SEAR 1 rating, which designates a federal coordinator overseeing security. Eric DeLaune, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans field office, is personally responsible for ensuring safety during the event.
“I have worked to coordinate the security of the land, air, and local waterways, with the vital support of our partners, leveraging a united front of all those law enforcement entities,” DeLaune stated. “In the days ahead, there will be a significant increased law enforcement presence in New Orleans, some of which will be visible and obvious.”
As New Orleans prepares to host one of the biggest sporting events of the year, officials are working tirelessly to provide the safest environment possible for fans, players, and residents alike.
