The Tragic Bourbon Street Attack: A Reminder of the Importance of Perimeter Security

By John Scolaro, President
Nasatka Security

The events of January 1, 2024, on Bourbon Street in New Orleans serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the critical importance of maintaining and deploying effective perimeter security measures. A tragic incident, in which a driver rammed an electric pickup truck into a crowd of pedestrians, resulted in 15 lives being lost and 35 others injured. While the attack’s devastating toll is impossible to reverse, it highlights the need for continued attention to security planning, including perimeter barriers that can prevent or mitigate such threats.

The Attack on Bourbon Street
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a truck driven by an attacker crashed through a crowded area on Bourbon Street, one of New Orleans’ most famous streets. The vehicle struck pedestrians before colliding with a construction boom lift and engaging in a confrontation with law enforcement. The attacker had also planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs), but quick action by police prevented the bombs from detonating.

The tragedy could have been less severe, or possibly avoided, if appropriate vehicle barriers had been in place. Years earlier, the city had invested in barriers designed to protect pedestrians from vehicle ramming attacks—measures intended to prevent incidents just like this one. However, on that night, these barriers were not deployed. Instead, the entrance to Bourbon Street was only protected by a single patrol cruiser, which was easily bypassed.

A History of Efforts and Challenges
New Orleans had previously taken steps to enhance perimeter security. In 2017, as part of a broader public safety initiative, the city acquired several types of barriers to address the growing concern of vehicle-based attacks. These included non-automated, portable steel barriers capable of halting speeding vehicles. Over time, however, some of these barriers were seen as cumbersome due to the heavy lifting and equipment required for deployment. As a result, some officials were less inclined to use them, particularly during busy periods like New Year’s Eve. Additionally, it was reported that some in the local police department were not fully aware of the barriers’ availability when they assumed their positions.

Another type of barrier, the wedge barrier, which can be quickly raised and lowered, was not deployed during the attack. The barrier had been intentionally left in a lowered position to avoid obstructing first responders in the case of a typical emergency. While this decision may have made sense in the context of regular operations, it proved inadequate during a more serious threat.

Challenges with Existing Barriers
Other safety measures, such as bollards, designed to block vehicles, were also missing from the entrance to Bourbon Street. These bollards had been installed as part of the 2017 safety initiative but had faced ongoing challenges, including issues with debris clogging their tracks. In some cases, these bollards were replaced with others that were less effective in high-speed situations.

On the night of the attack, the lack of sufficient security measures made it easier for the attacker to carry out the assault. While the city had made efforts to improve security, the gap in execution during such a high-profile event underlined the need for consistent and effective perimeter planning.

Moving Toward Stronger Security Measures
The tragic events on Bourbon Street emphasize the need for cities to be vigilant about perimeter security, especially in soft target areas that host large crowds. Properly maintained and deployed vehicle barriers are crucial in mitigating the risks posed by vehicle-based threats. This attack should serve as a reminder to cities across the country to review and improve their own safety protocols to ensure they are prepared for such incidents.

One valuable lesson from this event is the importance of maintaining backup systems for perimeter security. The absence of adequate redundancy left Bourbon Street vulnerable at a critical moment. Whether through portable barriers, additional patrols, or other measures, cities need to have contingency plans in place for times when primary security measures are unavailable.

A National Imperative
The events in New Orleans are not unique. Across the United States, many other cities and public spaces are vulnerable to similar threats. Aging infrastructure, underfunded security programs, and gaps in planning often leave cities exposed. Efforts to develop internationally recognized guidelines for vehicle barriers, such as those outlined in the “Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Act,” are important steps in the right direction. However, they must be paired with a commitment to maintaining and effectively deploying these measures.

Local governments must prioritize the safety of their citizens by ensuring their security infrastructure is up to date and ready to face emerging threats. The Bourbon Street attack serves as a stark reminder that, while we cannot undo tragedies, we can take proactive steps to prevent them in the future.

The lives lost in New Orleans cannot be brought back, but they can motivate cities across the country to strengthen their commitment to public safety. This is a call for all municipalities to prioritize robust and resilient security systems—because the safety of our communities depends on it.