New Orleans – six days and counts before the Super Bowl Lix Kickoff, NFL and Department of Homeland Security revealed their plan to make Superdome “safest place to be” on Sunday evening.
“I am convinced that the safest place this weekend will be under the security umbrella we have in place (SuperDome),” said NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy L. Lanier Monday morning at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center after the Super Bowl Kickoff press conference . “We have reviewed and reviewed all the events on January 1.”
Lanier’s plan to ensure a safe Super Bowl in New Orleans, the ninth on her watch, is two years in creation. Radical adjustments were made in the plan, including opening gates for fans at 13:30 CT for a CT -cheered kickoff 18.00, in response to the deadly terrorist attack that required 14 lives and damaged dozens on New Year’s Day. College Football’s Sugar Bowl was delayed one day and security – tactical assets and other “power multipliers” – was reinforced with shooters placed on roofs outside SuperDome.
“We are committed to having a safe environment for everyone who participates,” said Kristi Noem, US Department of Homeland Security Secretary. “Right now we have no credible threat to the game on Sunday.”
The FBI has 450 New Orleans staff to investigate threats and crimes this week.
Noem said that a plan for communication during major events is a significant change that was set in motion after the new year’s attack that preceded her access. She leaned on the special agent at Charge, Eric Delaune, one of 700 Homeland Security Department staff. Delaune has been the federal coordinator for the Super Bowl Lix.
“The world is a much more dangerous place. But right now we are safe here in the home country,” Noem said.
Noem demanded “thousands of fans visit the city” to be vocal and “if you see something, say something” to a uniformed officer.
Delaune, a special agent responsible for New Orlean’s investigations, thanks colleagues and the several agencies involved for their commitment to prevent an attack and coordinate the security of “land, air and the general public” over the next seven days.
“Our citizens have seen death and destruction in a place that represents all of America,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and noted that he visited families of victims from the attack before Sugar Bowl. He said the survivors of the victims shared a joint message. “That America would continue to resist those who intend to do devastation to us and that they would continue to enjoy their lives.”
New Orleans hosted the game for the 11th time.
-Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media
