Super Bowl Security Tightens After New Orleans Terrorist Attack

By Myles Miller and Randall Williams | February 5, 2025

Federal law enforcement agencies are rolling out one of the most extensive Super Bowl security operations in recent history, following the deadly New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.

The heightened measures come as an estimated 125,000 visitors prepare to pack the Crescent City and the Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, where the Philadelphia Eagles will play the Kansas City Chiefs.

Adding to precautions, the Secret Service is also making preparations if President Donald Trump decides to attend the game, said people familiar with the situation. Punchbowl earlier reported that Trump is expected to attend.

“We were in a good spot before January 1,” said Eric DeLaune, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans and the designated federal coordinator for the event. “We’re in a better spot now.”

A security perimeter near the memorial for victims of the Bourbon Street attack, in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 4.

With local, state, and federal agencies coordinating on land, water and in the air, DeLaune said authorities are determined to reassure both residents and tourists that New Orleans is safe.

That was clear even on Tuesday, five days before the game, as famous New Orleans thoroughfares like Canal and Bourbon streets were lined with officers carrying assault rifles. Streets were dotted with roadblocks, keeping Uber and taxi drivers constantly maneuvering as they tried to drop off passengers. Police vehicles were lined up and down nearly every curb in the city.

As a key part of the operation, US Customs and Border Protection will use a high-tech vehicle X-ray machine at the Superdome perimeter to screen for hidden weapons, explosives, and contraband. Known as a Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System, it’s considered a critical safeguard after the Jan. 1 attack, when a man in a pickup rammed through Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more.

A combination of drones, armed tactical units and bomb-sniffing dogs will enhance security on streets and rooftops across the Louisiana city.

The U.S. Coast Guard will patrol the Mississippi River, while Customs and Border Protection will inspect vessels and monitor maritime traffic. The Transportation Security Administration is deploying more than 90 canine units to airports and transit hubs as part of broader efforts to detect any signs of explosives.

Officials have adjusted plans based on lessons learned from the early morning attack last month. “We brought in experts from the outside,” DeLaune said. “The city did, and we did, to kind of review those plans and look at what we were doing.”

A large portion of the plan remains less visible.

“You’re going to see a lot of tactical teams operating in and around downtown New Orleans,” DeLaune said. “You’re going to see our BearCats, drones up, aircraft overhead and people on rooftops.” But, he added, “There are things you won’t see — like plainclothes assets moving around all over.”

The Jan. 1 attack, which authorities have deemed an act of terrorism, was allegedly carried out by 42-year-old former US Army soldier and Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was killed in a subsequent shootout with police. Investigators say he posted messages online professing support for the Islamic State, though they haven’t discovered evidence that the group orchestrated the attack. Officers also recovered an ISIS flag and two improvised explosive devices at the scene.

In light of the attack, officials are aiming to preserve New Orleans’ reputation as the Big Easy while at the same time ensuring robust security for the National Football League’s annual championship game.

“The beauty of New Orleans is that laissez-faire attitude, where people can just relax and enjoy the culture and history,” said DeLaune, a local native. “But what we’re seeing here now is that there are concerns about safety, and we want them to know that we are invested in that safety.”

Top photo: The Caesars Superdome ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

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