NEW ORLEANS Tourists and residents avoided the well-known attraction after an assailant drove into crowds of revelers on New Year’s Day, killing over a dozen people. Bourbon Street reopened Thursday to a small audience.
As crowds from all around the area entered and exited clubs, eateries, and entertainment venues late Thursday, a significant police presence was visible.
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Small teddy bears, candles, and flowers were arranged in a makeshift memorial along the roadway by local employees who saw the attack early on Wednesday and wished to honor the victims.
Maria Fields, 30, said in front of the memorial she helped build, “I wanted to honor those people and give a little hope back to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.”
Early on Wednesday, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a former Texas U.S. Army soldier, plowed a vehicle through dozens of revealers, killing 14 people and injuring 30 more.
Although Bourbon Street’s sights, bright lights, and loud noises were typical as the evening moved to night on Thursday, there wasn’t much activity.
Fred Appleton, 32, of New Orleans, stated that he felt anxious and reluctant to get together with friends because he was still thinking about the previous incident.
I don’t know, you’ll have to go back to your normal life eventually. He vowed not to remain out too long and stated, “I hope nothing happens.”
Demelza Outram, 40, from Western Australia, was making her first visit to Bourbon Street. She claimed she wasn’t scared off by the attack.
Outram stated that the moment was ideal to support local companies and that he didn’t think someone would strike again in the same location, especially with such a strong police presence here.
It didn’t deter me from coming here. If anything, you still want to come here and support the people and the businesses because you don t want them to suffer,” she said.
The French Quarter was patrolled and guarded by heavily armed FBI officers.
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said earlier Thursday that the city hadadded more protections, including heavy trucks and heavy steel barriers.
On Thursday night, more than 30 New Orleans police officers formed a circle in the center of Bourbon Street to pray over the night, the city and its souls.
With their heads bowed and some hands gripped together, all stayed quiet as a chaplain spoke life into their calling.
There are jobs in this world that people are inspired to do, police chaplain Ken DeSoto said after his prayer. They require support in times such as these. These law enforcement officials are also human. They are heroes.
Rick Goldstein, 72 of Houston, said he drove four hours to celebrate and ring in 2025.
He, too, said the attack didn t deter him from wanting to visit the historic destination.
I m looking for a place to get dinner, he said down on Bourbon Street. And to listen to some music.
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