Lansing, MI — A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans has prompted a wave of concern regarding public safety, with experts from the Michigan State Police weighing in on the situation. While law enforcement responded quickly and effectively, some experts believe there were crucial gaps in security that may have contributed to the success of the attack.
Lewis Langham, a retired lieutenant detective with the Michigan State Police and a current criminal justice professor at Cooley Law School, spoke on the response to the incident, noting that law enforcement is trained to handle high-risk scenarios such as this one. However, Langham pointed to one key issue that might have made a difference: the absence of bollard barriers along Bourbon Street during the attack.
The barriers, part of the Bourbon Street Bollard Assessment and Replacement Project, were in the process of being replaced and were not yet installed by New Year’s Eve. The project, which aims to replace old bollards with removable stainless steel ones, is expected to be completed by early 2025. Langham suggested that if the barriers had been in place, they could have potentially slowed down or prevented the attack, as they were designed to stop vehicles from entering pedestrian areas.
“The barriers weren’t there, and the barriers had been replaced,” Langham said. “I understand that patrol vehicles and other security measures were in place, but ultimately, it wasn’t sufficient to stop the attack.”
The conversation surrounding safety in the wake of the incident has become a central focus, with law enforcement agencies nationwide reflecting on the best ways to protect large public gatherings. Lt. Rene Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Michigan State Police, emphasized that troopers are constantly on high alert, particularly during large public events.
“We’re always looking for suspicious activity,” said Lt. Gonzalez. “It could be someone acting oddly, looking around a lot, or carrying a backpack. It’s about being observant and making sure everyone feels safe during these events.”
While the attack was tragic, experts agree that it highlights the need for more robust and proactive security measures at public events. For now, the focus remains on improving preparedness and preventing future incidents by reassessing safety protocols in crowded areas like Bourbon Street.
The Bourbon Street Bollard Assessment and Replacement Project, though delayed, continues to be a step in the right direction toward addressing vulnerabilities in the city’s security infrastructure. As 2025 approaches, city officials remain committed to completing the project and enhancing public safety.
