1 of 2 | Super Bowl LIX has received a SEAR 1 threat rating by the federal government. Its logo is displayed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans on Sunday. The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will be played on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
License PhotoFeb. 3 (UPI) — Officials say there are no “credible threats” to the looming Super Bowl in New Orleans after a New Year’s Day terror attack killed 14 people and injured 57.
Federal officials “recognize the importance of making sure that we’re doing due diligence and being prepared for events as proactive as possible,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “And pre-deploying resources and partnerships that will help us make sure that these events come off safely and with a focus on security.”
The NFL game, known officially as Super Bowl LIX, will be played on Feb. 9 at Caesars Stadium between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Right now we have no specific credible threats to this event,” Noem told reporters Monday in New Orleans. “Which I think should give us all a sense of security.”
Noem was joined by Gov. Jeff Landry, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and other law enforcement officers on Bourbon Street at a news conference.
According to officials, there will be more than 2,700 local, state and federal law enforcement agents on hand to secure the event after authorities repeatedly reviewed all details of events that took place on Jan. 1.
“We have reviewed and re-reviewed each of our roles within the overarching security plan, and we have reassessed and stressed tested,” said NFL Chief of Security Cathy Lanier. “Our timing, our communication protocols, our contingency measures and our emergency response plans multiple times over, over the past several weeks.”
The game has received a SEAR 1 threat rating by the federal government. Noem said the Super Bowl is the “biggest” Homeland Security event it works on “every single year.”
“I have worked to coordinate the security of the land, air and local waterways, with the vital support of our partners, leveraging a united front of all of those law enforcement entitles,” stated Eric DeLaune, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans field office.
At least 300 National Guard troops and 200 Louisiana State Police officers will be deployed throughout New Orleans, officials said.
Landry declared the area around Bourbon Street will be an “enhanced security zone.” For example, ice chests will be banned. And staffed checkpoints by Louisiana National Guard troops will search bags of those walking to Bourbon Street.
“In the days ahead, there will be a significant increased law enforcement presence in New Orleans, some of which will be visible and obvious,” added DeLaune.
The GamePlan app will provide detailed info on resources and security measures for attendees to report any suspicious issues or activity throughout the week.
“Public safety is a team sport,” the mayor stated. “If you see something, say something.”
It will be a “no-drone zone” meaning drones will not be permitted to fly anywhere near the stadium.
Meanwhile, firearms will be permitted past checkpoints and on Bourbon Street after local officials unsuccessfully pushed for change in state law to keep concealed weapons out of tourist areas.
“If you read the Constitution, you can figure it out,” the Republican governor said in reply to a question on why guns will be allowed.
