Security Barriers on Bourbon Street Had Been Removed For Repairs Before New Year's Truck Attack

New reports reveal that security barriers on Bourbon Street had been removed for repairs ahead of the New Year's truck attack that left several dead and dozens injured.

On January 1, a tragic truck attack in New Orleans left 15 dead and dozens injured after the driver barreled through Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations, exploiting a security gap caused by the temporary removal of bollards for repairs.

New Orleans installed removable bollards in 2017 to prevent vehicular attacks like the one in Nice, France, which killed 86 people in 2016.

However, these barriers frequently malfunctioned, leading to their planned replacement in late 2024, NBC News reported. Construction began in November, with temporary measures like plastic barricades and police vehicles filling the gaps.

Despite prior concerns about the project's timeline, officials anticipated the new bollards would be ready before the city hosts Super Bowl 59 in February.

The attack occurred early on New Year's Day, with the perpetrator driving onto the sidewalk and targeting pedestrians near Bourbon and Iberville streets.

The driver exchanged gunfire with police, injuring two officers before being killed. Weapons, a potential explosive device, and an ISIS flag were later found in the attacker's truck.

Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.