New Orleans’ most famous street could soon undergo significant changes if city leaders adopt bold new safety recommendations following a deadly New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens.
On Monday, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) released a statement detailing a major safety review conducted by Teneo Risk, a global security firm led by former NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton. The report is stark, warning that Bourbon Street is dangerously vulnerable and that without substantial changes, the city remains at risk of future attacks.
Among the key recommendations is transforming Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian zone. The report emphasizes that vehicles pose a serious threat to the crowds that gather daily in the French Quarter. The current layout of Bourbon Street makes it alarmingly easy for a vehicle-ramming attack to occur again. To address this, the report suggests implementing a hard perimeter system that would only allow emergency vehicles, deliveries, and hotel drop-offs during specific times.
According to the report, "Bourbon Street is extremely vulnerable to a vehicle ramming attack at any time of year," citing narrow sidewalks, frequent pedestrian spillover into the street, and the absence of permanent protective barriers.
The report also recommends making the Department of Homeland Security’s "SEAR 1" rating, which was granted to Mardi Gras 2025 for the first time, a permanent designation. This rating brought additional federal resources to New Orleans this year, including extra security equipment and personnel. The report argues that these resources were critical in protecting the public and should be maintained annually.
In a city of approximately 400,000 residents, Mardi Gras weekend can attract over 1 million visitors from around the world.
Beyond the proposed changes to Bourbon Street, the report highlights weaknesses in emergency response access, officer staffing, interagency coordination, and the city’s intelligence capabilities. Teneo found that the New Orleans Police Department’s intelligence gathering remains primarily reactive, lacking advanced tools and formal coordination protocols.
The report was based on extensive research, including site visits, document reviews, and interviews with city officials, law enforcement, and community members. Teneo observed security operations firsthand during the 2025 Super Bowl and Mardi Gras 2025, using these events to evaluate real-time vulnerabilities.
While the proposal to make Bourbon Street a permanent pedestrian zone may raise concerns among residents and business owners, Teneo asserts that this change is the best way to protect pedestrians and prevent future attacks. The report explains that any alternative measure would still leave parts of Bourbon Street exposed.
The NOPJF stated in its release, "We Have Not Forgotten," and emphasized that the findings aim to honor the victims of the Bourbon Street attack.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to [email protected].
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