New Orleans police officials have confirmed that security for the Sugar Bowl will be at the same level as what is planned for the upcoming Super Bowl.
The college football showpiece between Georgia and Notre Dame at Caesars Superdome has been postponed to 4 p.m. ET on Thursday (Jan. 2) following a “terror attack” in the French Quarter of the city. The incident took place on Bourbon Street, with 14 people having been killed and over 70 injured after an individual drove a car through a crowd.
The FBI have launched an investigation into the attack, with Shamsud-Din Jabbar having been identified as the suspect. It is believed by police that the suspect, who was driving a Ford SUV, had been “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did” in the incident.
Anne Kirkpatrick, superintendent of New Orleans Police, has now confirmed that security will be stepped up for the Sugar Bowl as she vowed that “hundreds” of officers and staff will be present in and around the arena. Speaking on NBC’s “Today”, she confirmed: “We are going to have absolutely hundreds of officers and staff lining our streets. We are staffing up at the same level if not more so than we were prepared for Super Bowl.
“We have proven that we can provide safe passage to the Superdome and back. We’ve done that time and time again. We’re going to just harden our plan. We’re going to harden our targets is what we’re going to do, but we believe we can absolutely provide a safe and wonderful environment today and for the Super Bowl and all of our activities.”
Expressing sympathy for the victims in the attack, UGA President Jere W. Morehead said: “We have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. I have spoken to the students family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured.”
Meanwhile, Notre Dame president, the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, expressed his sorrow, saying: “Our prayers are with the family members and loved ones of all those impacted by the terrible attack in New Orleans early this morning. We also pray for all those injured and extend our deepest gratitude to the brave first responders who risked their lives to protect others.”
In addition, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry confirmed that major efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all spectators at the Sugar Bowl, adding: “I tell you one thing: Your governors going to be there. That is proof, believe you me, that that facility and this city is safer today than it was yesterday.”
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