Super Bowl organizers and law enforcement have bolstered security arrangements ahead of the Feb. 9 showdown in New Orleans after the New Year’s Day terror attack.
Hundreds of thousands of fans are set to travel to Louisiana next month for the biggest night in the sporting calendar in the United States.
‘We’ve increased our security posture significantly so that people can come here, they can see a strong law enforcement presence,’ said Eric DeLaune, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, told ESPN.
‘My goal was that you couldn’t walk a city block in downtown New Orleans without at least encountering one law enforcement official. I’m not trying to make people afraid. I want people to see that we’re prepared.’
The report adds that SWAT team members, armored vehicles and special agents on rooftops will all be part of the security effort in NOLA.
NFL’s Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier added: ‘I’d like to say it doesn’t change a lot in our security planning, but it does change things. Are we doing anything differently? Of course.’
Super Bowl security is being ramped up in New Orleans after the recent terrorist attack
The New Year’s attack occurred when a man who had been radicalized by ISIS drove a truck down the popular French quarter of New Orleans.
It led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia by almost 24 hours at the Superdome in the city, which will also stage the Super Bowl.
Organizers are also launching a campaign this week to encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
‘A lot of times people are intimidated by the process of reporting things because they’re concerned they’re going to look foolish if it turns out to be nothing,’ DeLaune said.
‘We’re not concerned about that. We want you to know if you see something that concerns you, if there’s something odd or different, speak up. Let us know.’
For the NFL teams still standing in the playoffs, the road to New Orleans ramps up this weekend.
Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs, in pursuit of a third straight Super Bowl title, host Houston Texans at Arrowhead on Saturday before Detroit Lions host Washington Commanders.
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