New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick had a message for those unsure about attending Super Bowl LIX next month in the wake of a terror attack in the city.
Kirkpatrick told Fox News contributor Ted Williams during “Fox and Friends” Thursday that football fans should still plan to come to the big game on Feb. 9.
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New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick makes a statement after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
“They should be planning to come,” Kirkpatrick said. “As the Sugar Bowl is being held today this afternoon. We here in New Orleans have proven time and time again that we can provide safe environments. Look at Taylor Swift (concert) that was just a few weeks ago – an incredible environment full of fun, a incredible environment where they can enjoy themselves and know they are safe.
“This is a terrorist. The terrorist will be determined to cause bloodshed and destruction no matter what, but we as a city and as a law enforcement community have already proven over time that we can handle and control these large crowds. “
Kirkpatrick vowed to correct any security lapses in preparation for the NFL’s biggest day of the year.
Georgia fans at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal match between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed following an attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn images)
GEORGIA AND NOTRE DAME FANS MAKE SUGAR BOWL DECISION AS GAME IS POSTPONED DUE TO TERROR ATTACK
“The Super Bowl is still in play,” she added. “We’re going to sharpen our purpose. We’re going to correct any kind of gap that’s been there – it’s going to be corrected. And you’re going to see today, you’re going to experience today what we can do.”
The N.F.L said it still believed in it fans would experience a safe Super Bowl.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the NFL said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The NFL and the local host committee have worked with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years and have developed comprehensive safety plans,” the statement continued. “We are confident that participants will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
A state trooper walks to his vehicle at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal match between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed following an attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn images)
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The Superdome hosted the Super Bowl after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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