Car drives into Bourbon Street crowd, kills at least 10

It will be delayed at least until 9 pm eastern for the Rose Bowl’s conclusion.

 

the definition of terrorism is using violence or the threat of violence for political purposes. Jan. 6th, eco-terror, Luigi, the history of attacks on Israel etc.

 

Next press conference pushed back from 11 to at least 1 p.m.

 

And there's a pervasive, "Aw, that can't happen HERE" mentality with anyone not in a "big city." It's the same as a school shooting or other mass shooting.

"Why, that happened in Big City. We're not like that. We're a close-knit community."

Until it happens, and then people are shocked. Shocked!

We don't or shouldn't live in a state of fear (except for the Rupert Network-watching Olds who fear everything). But common sense — like being aware at the starting line of a 10K with 8,000 people, or a parade, or outdoor festival — should prevail over the "Ehhh, we're fine. That won't happen here." mentality.

 

The Super Bowl next month is going to have the same security or more than it had in 2002, the post 9/11 one. Spectators should plan to arrive for the 5:30 pm Central kickoff at 4 a.m.

 

As it always is.

 

If I remember right, Bourbon Street has removable bollards in order to allow maintenance, emergency vehicles etc. to enter. Did the guy wait until the trash trucks moved in to make his move?

 

The truck crashed into a scissors lift in front of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, about three blocks from where he got onto Bourbon Street.
Of all the random times and places to leave your piece of machinery in the middle of the road ...

 

My brother-in-law worked for some alphabet agencies in D.C. in several capacities, including security planning for worldwide events. He said what we think is or may be overkill is just the tip of the iceberg. For things like the SB, Olympics, World Cup, etc., he said the security coordination and planning is quite remarkable and extensive, with layers and layers of "What if ..." scenarios.

Another relative did the same on a state and regional level, working with state agencies, hospitals and local enforcement agencies. Lots of "What if ..." scenarios. Power station attacks, for example. Some moron dumping something in the water supply. Something at a college football game, but a smaller one where the security isn't as strong and "Awww, that wouldn't happen here" mentality is in place.

As absolutely terrible as things like this are in New Orleans, it's remarkable that more of them don't happen.

 

Texas native and military veteran…

or…

You lead with his full name…

Or you blend the two.

 

And Jan. 6th reminded us that “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.”

 

At Lillehammer in 1994, one of my suitemates was a Brit from the University of St. Andrew's who was researching/consulting/maybe the school was his cover story, security for those Winter Olympics. I learned a lot from him. One thing about Super Bowl 36. Every bar you went into you met cops from some other city, there for the security. And to a man, they were bummed they were there instead of the Salt Lake Games, which in cop world was seen as the headline act.