As the city gets ready to host Super Bowl LIX in a month, NOPD chief Anne Kirkpatrick announced Wednesday that the department has enlisted former New York City police commissioner Bill Bratton to examine measures for preventing terrorism.
Why it matters: After an alleged terrorist crashed a vehicle into the crowds on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injured 35 more, officials are asking for additional resources for the game and Mardi Gras season.
The big picture: Kirkpatrick chose Bratton, she said. His fees, which were not disclosed, would be covered by the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation.
- She stated that she would discuss his position in further detail during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
- The announcement was made at a City Council committee meeting that swiftly descended into violence, with Kirkpatrick declaring she would not step down, Councilman Oliver Thomas allegedly calling her racist, and locals wondering why Homeland Security director Collin Arnold was not present.
Zoom in: Kirkpatrick and the city’s Public Works Department head, Rick Hathaway, were under fire on Wednesday for what Thomas described as a “dialogue” rather than an investigation.
- He added that both Arnold and Gilbert Montaรฑo, the main administrative officer of the city, turned down his invitation. Arnold informed WDSU that he was not invited.
Point of friction: Kirkpatrick stated that she was concentrating on the victims and that she would only be providing the council with a limited number of responses at this time. The chair of the committee, Thomas, referred to her as defensive.
- When Helena Moreno, the council president and mayoral candidate, stated that Kirkpatrick had given her information prior to the meeting, he added a couple more zingers.
- Thomas, who is thinking about running for mayor, said he felt disrespected and accused Kirkpatrick of favoritism. “I may not be your favorite son, but I’m a native son.”
- “My complexion may be different, but I matter,” he expressed to Kirkpatrick. Axios was subsequently informed by Thomas, who is Black, that he meant the “complexion of the argument.”
- The attack is being investigated criminally by the FBI.
Security plans are being thoroughly reviewed by Attorney General Liz Murrill. She told reporters Tuesday that she hopes to present a draft report to lawmakers before to the start of the April session. - And after spending millions to keep the city’s most renowned thoroughfare safe, the council is anticipated to start its official probe on Thursday, concentrating on the infrastructure choices that permitted the attack. It is being led by Council Vice President JP Morrell.
In the room: As the city goes forward, the gathering also provided a public venue for locals to voice their support, frustration, fear, and ideas.
- As she and her family raise Polk’s 14-year-old, the sister of LaTasha Polk, who was slain in the attack, requested assistance and guidance from the council.
- Bicycle activists and residents of the French Quarter want more comprehensive measures that would lessen the number of cars in the oldest area of the city.
- Others noted the many challenges the Quarter faces, from building collapses to fires to medical emergencies.
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