New Orleans faces tough questions about security after a deadly vehicular attack on Bourbon Street exposes flaws in the city’s protection measures.
At a Glance
- A terrorist attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans killed 14 and injured 35
- The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, expressed support for ISIS in social media videos
- Bourbon Street’s new security bollards were not installed at the time of the attack
- The planned bollards are only rated for 10-mph impacts, raising concerns about their effectiveness
- City officials are reassessing security measures in light of the attack
Terror Strikes the French Quarter
On New Year’s Day, the festive atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter was shattered when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, carried out a vehicular assault on Bourbon Street. The FBI has classified the attack as an act of terrorism, citing Jabbar’s expressed support for the Islamic State group in social media videos. The tragic incident resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries, including two police officers wounded in a subsequent shootout.
Jabbar, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan before leaving the military in 2020, had been employed by Deloitte in a staff-level role since 2021. His recent history included financial difficulties and personal issues, including a divorce. Surveillance footage revealed Jabbar placing potential explosive devices in the French Quarter, adding to the severity of the attack.
EXCLUSIVE-NEW ORLEANS’ PLANNED NEW BOURBON STREET BARRIERS ONLY CRASH-RATED TO 10 MPH, ACCORDING TO CITY DOCUMENTS, REUTERS REPORTS.
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) January 4, 2025
Security Measures Under Scrutiny
In the wake of the attack, attention has turned to the security measures in place on Bourbon Street. The city had been in the process of installing new street barriers, known as bollards, but these were not in place at the time of the incident. The planned bollards, designed to withstand only 10-mph impacts, have raised concerns about their effectiveness in preventing high-speed attacks.
“I was feeling a lot of uncertainty and anxiety this morning,” Jamal LeBlanc said.
The city’s decision to prioritize ease of operation over crashworthiness has come under scrutiny. New Orleans had modeled scenarios for potential vehicle attacks using a Ford F-150, similar to the one used in the deadly assault. However, these models did not account for vehicles entering via sidewalks, which is how Jabbar managed to circumvent existing security measures.
Bourbon Street’s unique operational requirements have complicated efforts to implement more robust security measures. The street is open to regular vehicle traffic during the day, necessitating evening closures. The new bollard system, while easier to install and remove, falls short of higher crash safety standards. This compromise was made to address operational issues experienced with the previous system, which struggled with the street’s conditions.
Engineering analysis has shown that a vehicle could potentially reach speeds of 50 to 70 mph on Bourbon Street, far exceeding the new bollards’ crash rating. This revelation has intensified the debate over how to best protect one of New Orleans’ most popular tourist destinations without impeding its daily functions.
