New Orleans to Host Super Bowl LIX Amid Heightened Security Concerns After January 1 Terrorist Attack

The terrorist attack on January 1 left deep scars on New Orleans. Neither the city nor the American public have fully overcome that tragedy

A bipartisan group of lawmakers will visit New Orleans on Monday to check the city's security preparations in the wake of a deadly New Year's Day terrorist attack, ahead of Super Bowl LIX, which will be held at the Caesars Superdome, local media reported over the weekend.

The House Committee on Homeland Security will visit the site of the attack in New Orleans' famed French Quarter and later oversee the security arrangements at the Superdome, according to Reuters.

“A group of legislators are planning to visit New Orleans ... to ensure federal, state, and local law enforcement are well-prepared to protect Super Bowl LIX spectators and the public in the wake of these heightened threats in the area,” Representative Dale Strong (R-Ala.) told the news agency in a statement.

The visit comes amid heightened security concerns following the January 1 attack, in which an ISIS-inspired US Army veteran rammed a truck into a crowd celebrating on the famous Bourbon Street. The attack left 14 people dead and several others injured.

During a press conference on Wednesday, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier said there were no credible threats to the event's security. However, she noted that there will be “thousands” of security personnel in the area from federal, state, and local agencies.

“We have not seen any threats that are credible to the event itself. But we are certainly aware of the heightened awareness that is out there, and we are working very closely with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that we are prepared for any eventuality,” Lanier said.

Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry this week renewed the statewide state of emergency established in the wake of the January 1 attack, and said law enforcement will set up checkpoints around the French Quarter before, during, and after the event.

“We are taking every measure to ensure the safety of the public, and we will continue to work closely with all levels of law enforcement to monitor the situation and respond quickly to any threats,” Landry said in a statement.

“I urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. Together, we will keep Louisiana safe and ensure that the Super Bowl is a memorable and enjoyable event for all who attend,” he added.