Barrier Renovation Questioned Following New Orleans Terror Attack

Protective barriers on Bourbon Street were removed weeks before a deadly New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans, leaving the area exposed to vehicular threats. The barriers were taken down for renovations in preparation for the Super Bowl, scheduled for February.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old who had converted to Islam, used a pickup truck to kill 14 people at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police after the attack.

The bollard system, first installed in 2017, was meant to block vehicles from entering crowded areas. However, damage and malfunctions prompted the city to begin replacing them in November. Interim barriers and police vehicles proved inadequate.

Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick admitted the city’s plan failed, stating, “The terrorist defeated it.” Witnesses criticized the lack of barriers, noting the increased vulnerability during New Year’s celebrations.

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) emphasized the need for more robust security measures, including additional blocking vehicles. “Terrorists find weak points. It’s our job to close every one of them,” Carter said.

The incident has drawn attention to the timing of the renovation project and the potential risks associated with leaving high-traffic areas exposed during major events.