The College Football Playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame should be delayed further following the New Orleans terror attack, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The Bulldogs were set to face the Fighting Irish on New Year’s Day at the Caesars Superdome – home to the New Orleans Saints. However, due to the devastating attack that saw at least 15 people killed and 35 injured in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the game was postponed and rescheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.
The attack saw a man drive a Ford F-150 truck into crowds of people celebrating the New Year at 3:15 a.m. local time in the French Quarter region of New Orleans. Bourbon Street, where the incident occurred and since it remains an active crime scene, Murrill believes that the game should be postponed further.
“Not my decision, but I would like to see it delayed at least another day,” Murrill told NBC News. “If they asked my opinion, I would tell them that. I think it was a wise decision to delay it at least a day.
“This is an active crime scene, and they have just finished removing some of the bodies, and they still haven’t removed all of them. I still think that we probably need to wait an extra day.”
Although the attack is still very recent, Murrill doesn’t believe that the community needs to fear for their safety despite suggesting that the game is pushed back further. “No, I believe that the community is safe and there is huge law enforcement presence here in New Orleans,” Murrill added. I believe that everyone is safe and the governor plans to attend the football game.”
The attack has rocked New Orleans, with the city preparing for a big sports year in 2025. Hosting Georgia-Notre Dame was already a exciting prospect, and the Caesars Superdome will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.
The NFL released a statement on Jan. 1 to confirm that the Super Bowl will still take place in New Orleans as planned, with complex strategies already in place with security personnel. “We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” a statement issued by the NFL read.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected. The NFL and the host committee have been working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans.
“These planning sessions will continue as they do with all major NFL events and we are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.” It will be the eighth Super Bowl played in the Superdome, and the 11th in the city of New Orleans.
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