Deadly New Orleans attack: Its impact on security in Michigan moving forward
(FOX 2) - Hours after the horrific start to the new year in New Orleans, a united front of local, state, and federal officials shared details of the suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.
Chief among those priorities is safety for future events, including the Super Bowl.
"We intend to be transparent in assessing any defects that may have existed in the system so that we can address it. It’s the only way to ensure the mistakes that were made are corrected," said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Like New Orleans, Detroit will have attractions that will draw national and international crowds, like the North American International Auto Show on January 10.
Steve Dolunt is a retired assistant chief for Detroit Police. During his time with DPD, he worked on security for numerous big events, including the Super Bowl.
He provided insight on what Lions fans might see on Sunday for the prime-time game in downtown, especially the tailgaters.
"From a security perspective, how does law enforcement locally and internationally try to make sure this event is protected?" asked FOX 2's Brandon Hudson.
"In Detroit, in front of the, it's called Huntington Place now, they have cement stanchions, they look like flower pots, just like they do at the federal building—all out in front. So, if a vehicle coming up eastbound on Jefferson, it would hit the cement. I’m sure again, everyone will be ready for Sunday at Ford Field."
As New Orleans looks to heal and ensure the safety of people, the threat of a possible copycat attack looms. But that’s not just in Louisiana, but anywhere in America—including Detroit.
Dolunt mentioned the attack at a Christmas market in Germany days before Christmas. A little more than a week later, the New Orleans attack hits closer to home.
Dolunt says the FBI should have sent out a threat assessment following the episode in Germany, but his sources said it wasn’t released. Over the next month, Detroit will host a primetime football game and the internationally known North American International Auto Show.
Both are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors during a time of heightened awareness.
"Americans have to be alert, whether it’s a domestic terrorism attack or like that guy in Oxford that shot those people that pulled over to help him. There’s a lot of good people in this country. They shouldn’t have to change the way they live because of some terrorist," he said.