Vulnerability to Attack in the French Quarter

New Orleans' French Quarter remains a high-risk area for vehicular attacks despite previous warnings, exemplified by the tragic incident where a pickup truck was driven onto a sidewalk, resulting in 14 fatalities. Security experts had flagged Bourbon Street as especially vulnerable five years prior, advising officials on necessary precautions, including the installation of bollards to prevent such occurrences. Unfortunately, when the attack happened, permanent barriers were either under construction or not in place, allowing the assailant to bypass temporary measures easily. This situation highlights a significant failure in the city's preparedness and response to prevent such avoidable tragedies.