A New Orleans police officer sends a message to NFL fans on the fence about coming to Super Bowl LIX after the attack
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick had a message for those on the fence about attending Super Bowl LIX the following month after a terrorist attack in the city.
Kirkpatrick told Fox News contributor Ted Williams during “Fox and friends” on Thursday that football fans should still plan to attend the big game on February 9.
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New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick speaks after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at Canal Street and Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
“They should plan to come,” Kirkpatrick said. “Like the Sugar Bowl today will be held this afternoon. We here in New Orleans have proven time and time again that we can provide a safe environment. Look at the Taylor Swift (concert) that was just a few weeks ago – an amazing entertainment environment, an amazing environment in to which they can and know they are safe. We have plans.
“This is a terrorist. A terrorist will be hell bent on creating carnage and destruction no matter what, but we as a city and as a law enforcement community have already proven over time that we can handle and manage these large crowds.”
Kirkpatrick has vowed to correct any security lapses in preparation for the NFL’s biggest day of the year.
Georgia fans at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame has been postponed following the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
GEORGIA, NOTRE DAME FANS MAKE SUGAR BOWL DECISION AS GAME POSTPONED DUE TO TERRORIST ATTACK
“The Super Bowl is still in the game,” she added. “We’re going to harden our target. We’re going to fix all the gaps that were there – they’re going to be fixed. And you’ll see today, you’ll experience today what we can do.”
NFL said he still believes fans would experience a surefire Super Bowl.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the NFL said in a statement Wednesday.
“The NFL and local host committee have worked with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans,” the statement continued. “We are confident that attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
A state trooper walks to his vehicle at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame has been postponed following the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
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The Superdome hosted the Super Bowl after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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