NFL Confident in Super Bowl Security Plan After New Orleans Attack
Security Chief Projections Confidence
NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier expressed confidence in the league’s security plans as New Orleans prepares to host the Feb. 9 Super Bowl in the aftermath of a terror attack that killed 14 people on New Year’s Day.
Lanier said there will be heightened security measures around the game, adding that the most important thing is that the NFL is “really confident in our security plan going into the Super Bowl.”
Heightened Security Measures
The NFL has worked with federal, state, and local authorities to reassess security plans after the Jan. 1 attack and develop a comprehensive security plan over the last two years.
“I think the biggest thing that you’ll see that’s different following the attacks is just a lot more visible law enforcement presence,” Lanier said. “We are still prepared to make new modifications should something change between now and the Super Bowl. That’s kind of our job is to be flexible and make changes, as needed.”
Department of Homeland Security Rating
Lanier said the Super Bowl was given the second-highest security rating possible by the Department of Homeland Security in the wake of the attack.
“I feel very confident that we’re going to the Super Bowl in an environment that people are going to feel comfortable, they’re going to feel safe, and they’re going to enjoy the Super Bowl,” Lanier said.
Estimating Attendance and Economic Impact
The 11th Super Bowl hosted by New Orleans is expected to draw an estimated 100,000 visitors to the city, according to Collin Arnold, director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Investigations and Lawsuit
Multiple investigations are now reviewing how an Islamic State-group inspired attacker was able to drive his F-150 truck onto the city’s famed Bourbon Street and plow into New Year’s revelers. A lawsuit alleges the city and multiple contractors failed to instigate security measures that could have prevented or mitigated the attack.
Conclusion
The NFL’s security chief has expressed confidence in the league’s security plans for the Super Bowl, despite the recent terror attack in New Orleans. The league has developed a comprehensive security plan over the last two years and has worked with federal, state, and local authorities to reassess and modify plans as needed. The Super Bowl is expected to draw an estimated 100,000 visitors to the city, and the NFL is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
FAQs
Q: What is the NFL’s security plan for the Super Bowl?
A: The NFL has developed a comprehensive security plan over the last two years and has worked with federal, state, and local authorities to reassess and modify plans as needed.
Q: How many visitors is the Super Bowl expected to draw to New Orleans?
A: The Super Bowl is expected to draw an estimated 100,000 visitors to the city.
Q: What is the Department of Homeland Security’s security rating for the Super Bowl?
A: The Super Bowl has been given the second-highest security rating possible by the Department of Homeland Security.
