New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick has a message for those who are considering attending Super Bowl LIX next month following the terrorist attack in the city.
Kirkpatrick told Fox News contributor Ted Williams on Thursday's “Fox & Friends” that football fans should still plan to attend the big game on Feb. 9.
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New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick released a statement after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
“They should make plans to come,” Kirkpatrick said. “Just like today's Sugar Bowl, it's happening this afternoon. We here in New Orleans have proven time and time again that we can provide a safe environment. Just a few weeks ago, Taylor Swift Watch (the concert). It's an incredibly fun environment, a great environment to make sure they're safe.
“These are terrorists. Terrorists are going to be hell-bent on causing carnage and destruction no matter what, but we as a city and as law enforcement must be able to handle and manage such large crowds.” He has already proven over time that he can do it.”
Kirkpatrick vowed to fix the security flaws in preparation for the NFL's biggest day of the year.
Georgia fans gather at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame has been postponed following the January 1, 2025 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. (Jeff Burke-Imagine image)
Georgia, Notre Dame fans decide to postpone Sugar Bowl game due to terrorist attack
“The Super Bowl is still going on,” she added. “We're going to strengthen our goals. We're going to fix all kinds of gaps that existed before. They'll be fixed. And today, we're going to look at what we can do and what we're going to experience today. Sho.”
The NFL said it still believes fans will have a safe Super Bowl experience.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the NFL said in a statement Wednesday.
“The NFL and local host committees have worked collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years to develop a comprehensive safety plan,” the statement continued. “We are confident that our attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
A state trooper approaches a vehicle at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame has been postponed following the January 1, 2025 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. (Jeff Burke-Imagine image)
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The Superdome hosted the Super Bowl after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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