NEW ORLEANS As prayer and song filled the sanctuary, Kim Alexander sat in the center of the partially filled space. Alexander didn’t seem to be persuaded that the city would be safer following an automobile rampage that murdered 14 New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street, even if Bishop Lester Love preached of healing and optimism from the pulpit.
After the service, the 60-year-old New Orleans resident told NBC News that there were too many abandoned places in the city, including the French Quarter. She expressed her opinion that additional cops ought to be employed.
Her concerns weren’t unique. Following the attack, hundreds of New Orleanians flocked to the City of Love Church on Saturday morning in search of comfort and understanding. Attendees shouted, sung, and prayed for the attacker, the city, and a safer future in addition to the victims, their hands lifted and tears streaming down their faces.
The 42-year-old attackerEarly on New Year’s Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas U.S. Army veteran, crashed a rental truck into a group of partygoers on Bourbon Street. According to authorities, he declared his sympathy for ISIS in recordings he uploaded online while traveling to New Orleans. Jabbar was murdered in a gunfight with police after he plodded through the crowd.
At the morning prayer service, the atmosphere wavered between sorrow and resolve. New Orleans residents who were in mourning stood next to police policemen.
“Things will improve even though we’re going through it,” Love assured the congregation. Despite its pain, the city is resilient.
Local authorities and law police promised to strengthen safety protocols as the city gets ready for Mardi Gras in March and the Super Bowl next month.
Following the prayer ceremony, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that while the city will continue to be watchful for the safety of its citizens and visitors in the coming months, she was unable to rule out another mass murder.
According to Hutson, anyone can take action on any given day, and law enforcement will be ready to act. If someone wants to do something, they will find a way to do it.
Nevertheless, some people are wondering if New Orleans is prepared for hundreds of thousands of tourists in the upcoming months in light of the disaster. According to its website, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place in April together with the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, attracts about 400,000 visitors annually.
To persevere, some are depending on their faith. Tishawn Francis, 45, a service attendee, stated, “I believe that God is directing my steps.”
44-year-old Will Holmes said he is hopeful because New Orleans is prepared to deal with these situations.
Attending the event, Mayor LaToya Cantrell reaffirmed her pledge to assist the victims and their families. Dozens were hurt, many of whom are still in local hospitals, in addition to the 14 people who died.
While acknowledging that the tragedy may have been worse, former Police Superintendent Michael Harrison commended law officers for their prompt action.
Harrison claimed that since the assailant was determined to kill regardless, he might have used his gun in place of the truck.
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