Following a tragic New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that killed 14 and injured dozens, city leaders are considering implementing bold new safety recommendations to prevent future incidents. The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation released a major safety review conducted by Teneo Risk, a global security firm led by former NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton. The report highlighted Bourbon Street’s vulnerability to attacks and suggested turning it into a permanent pedestrian zone to mitigate the risks posed by vehicles in the area.
The report emphasized the need for a hard perimeter setup on Bourbon Street that would only allow emergency vehicles, deliveries, and hotel drop-offs at specific times. With narrow sidewalks, frequent pedestrian spillover into the street, and a lack of protective barriers, Bourbon Street was identified as extremely vulnerable to vehicle-ramming attacks. The Department of Homeland Security’s “SEAR 1” rating, given to Mardi Gras 2025 for the first time, was recommended to be made permanent to ensure continued federal resources for enhanced security measures during major events in the city.
In a city where Mardi Gras weekend can attract over 1 million visitors, safety measures and emergency response capabilities are crucial. The report also highlighted weaknesses in emergency response access, officer staffing, coordination between agencies, and the city’s intelligence capabilities. Teneo’s research, which included site visits, document reviews, and interviews with various stakeholders, emphasized the need for proactive intelligence gathering and advanced tools to enhance security measures in the city.
While the proposal for a permanent pedestrian zone on Bourbon Street may raise concerns among residents and business owners, Teneo believes that this change is necessary to protect pedestrians and prevent future attacks. The report indicated that any alternative plan would still leave parts of Bourbon Street vulnerable. The NOPJF, in its statement, mentioned “We Have Not Forgotten” and expressed its commitment to honoring the victims of the Bourbon Street attack through the implementation of comprehensive safety measures.
Overall, the safety review conducted by Teneo Risk identified critical vulnerabilities on Bourbon Street and recommended significant changes to enhance security in the area. Turning Bourbon Street into a pedestrian-only zone, maintaining the “SEAR 1” rating for major events, and improving emergency response and intelligence capabilities were among the key recommendations made in the report. City leaders will need to carefully consider these suggestions to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and businesses in New Orleans, especially during high-profile events such as Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.
