Malfunctioning bollards meant to protect Bourbon Street pedestrians were undergoing repairs, because of clogs caused by Mardi Gras beads, when a truck drove into a New Orleans crowd on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 and injuring at least 35.
Officials acknowledged that delays in fixing the barriers left the French Quarter vulnerable ahead of the attack.
Why It Matters
Bollards have become a widely used security feature in high-traffic areas, helping protect pedestrians from attacks involving vehicles.
The French Quarter, a bustling tourist hotspot known for its narrow streets, has used steel bollards to protect pedestrians from vehicle attacks. Installed in 2017 as part of a safety plan, the barriers have since needed repairs, leading to a replacement project.
The attack on New Year’s Day marks the deadliest vehicle-based assault linked to the Islamic State group in recent U.S. history. Security experts note that such attacks often target crowded pedestrian areas, emphasizing the need for robust protective measures.
Members of the National Guard and police look on at a blocked-off street, a block from Bourbon Street, after at least 15 people were killed during an attack early on the morning of January 1…
Members of the National Guard and police look on at a blocked-off street, a block from Bourbon Street, after at least 15 people were killed during an attack early on the morning of January 1 in New Orleans. Malfunctioning bollards under renovation left Bourbon Street vulnerable during the New Year’s Day truck attack, raising concerns about security measures.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty Images
What To Know
Bollards are sturdy posts designed to block vehicle access to certain areas. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell reported at a press conference on Wednesday that issues like clogs from Mardi Gras beads caused some bollards to malfunction. Renovations to replace the faulty barriers were underway but were not completed when the truck attack occurred. That left the area unprotected by the usual security measures.
City documents showed that the replacement of bollards on Bourbon Street began on November 18. The project impacted eight blocks, with work planned to finish before the Super Bowl in February. Temporary asphalt patches were installed to cover areas where bollards were removed, according to city records. On December 30, officials issued an advisory regarding ongoing construction, in an attempt to minimize disruptions during New Year’s celebrations.
Although bollards were absent, other security measures were implemented in the area. A police vehicle had been positioned to block access to Bourbon Street, but the suspect drove around it and onto the sidewalk, where the truck struck pedestrians. Authorities did not anticipate that the truck would bypass these measures, and New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick noted that the city had plans to enhance security ahead of major events, such as college football’s Sugar Bowl.
Cities around the world, including New York, have installed bollards as a way to protect pedestrians from vehicle-based attacks. In 2017, New York City added bollards to Hudson River Park after a deadly truck attack. While experts debate whether the presence of bollards in New Orleans would have prevented the tragedy, some believe that even with the barriers, the power and speed of a large vehicle could still pose a serious threat.
The French Quarter has long been considered a vulnerable area for terrorist attacks. A 2017 report commissioned by the city flagged it as a high-risk zone because of its crowded streets and the potential for mass casualty events. Despite the warnings, the recent attack has emphasized the need for more comprehensive security strategies for large gatherings and everyday safety in the area.
What People Are Saying
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry during Thursday’s press conference: “We recognize we’ve got a problem. We’re going to fix it. It is going to be a top priority as we go into the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the solution that we’re going to come up with is going to be a permanent one.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell during Thursday’s press conference: “Bollards were not up because they are near completion, with the expectation of being completed by [the] Super Bowl—way before [the] Super Bowl.
“The New Orleans Police Department deemed them inefficient because they did not operate the way that they were intended to do. Because the city of New Orleans is hosting [the] Super Bowl this year, it gave the city of New Orleans an opportunity to go further and deeper with infrastructure improvements.”
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick during Thursday’s press conference: “We had a plan, but the terrorist defeated it. We are working hard to reinforce these areas and ensure we’re ready for upcoming events.”
University of Michigan counterterrorism expert Javed Ali, via the BBC: “Even with bollards, the physics of such an attack could have still overwhelmed them.”
What Happens Next
With the Super Bowl approaching, New Orleans is working to enhance security and complete bollard renovations. The city’s response to this attack will likely shape future security measures in high-risk areas, prompting further discussions on the effectiveness of bollards and other protective barriers in preventing vehicle-based terrorism.
Security Posts Clogged by Beads Delayed Repairs Before New Orleans Attack
