At a Glance
- 350 National Guard troops arrive in New Orleans to bolster security after the 2024 Bourbon Street truck attack that killed 14.
- Families demand permanent barriers and a pedestrian-only street.
- The city still seeks permanent security solutions nearly a year after the attack.
- Why it matters: Residents and visitors rely on effective safety measures during large crowds, and the response reflects ongoing concerns about public safety.
New Orleans is preparing for a busy New Year’s season while grappling with lingering security gaps from the 2024 truck attack on Bourbon Street that left 14 dead.
National Guard Arrives for New Year’s
350 National Guard members arrived Tuesday, armed and stationed near barricades across the French Quarter. They were seen sipping coffee, chatting with locals, and taking pictures with passersby. Troops will remain through Carnival season and Mardi Gras.
- Armed in fatigues with guns holstered
- Standing near barricades
- Engaging with the public
Security Gaps After the 2024 Attack
The attack, carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, involved a pickup truck that plowed into crowds, killing 14 and injuring dozens. Police shot and killed Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who had posted support for ISIS on social media.
Melissa Dedeaux said:
> “I’m a parent that had to wake up, log on my Facebook account and see my daughter’s last days – my daughter’s last time. I didn’t get to see her on Bourbon the night it happened. I saw her on a video.”
Melissa Dedeaux added:
> “I saw no safety,” she said. “I saw that my daughter could still be here.”
- Bollard system under replacement
- Police captain Samuel Palumbo warned barriers are only low-speed
- Consulting firm recommends pedestrian-only street
Community Response and Memorials
Longtime French Quarter worker Miguel Thornton welcomed the troops, saying the service industry was changed by the carnage.
Miguel Thornton said:
> “A lot of the service industry professionals that were out here were affected – they saw the carnage, they had to step over bodies – and so people were definitely changed,” and “As far as the National Guard, they’ve been here before. Honestly, they’re welcome.”
Cigar shop manager Buck Harley explains that tourists must be reminded of the memorial flags.
Buck Harley said:
> “We seem to as a society forget. And I don’t think it’s because of a lack of empathy but because there’s another big story taking its place,” and “I have to tell the tourists what the flags are up there for, because it’s forgotten already.”
Key Takeaways
- 350 National Guard troops are bolstering security for the New Year’s season.
- The 2024 attack exposed flaws in the bollard system and prompted calls for permanent barriers.
- Memorials and flags honor victims, but families say more must be done.
The city’s ongoing security efforts highlight the challenge of protecting a historic district while welcoming millions of visitors each year.
