NEW ORLEANS - As Canadians are left reeling from a car attack on a crowded street, New Orleans leaders are re-examining security measures here. Tourists walking along the famous street Tuesday were thinking about security measures as well.
Jessica and Rob Medaglia were enjoying their vacation in New Orleans when they got news from their home city of Toronto that no one wants to receive.
“Shocking,” Jessica said. “We usually feel pretty safe in Toronto.”
With car attacks becoming more common, tourists on Bourbon today said they're left with the realization that you always need to be on guard.
“It's been great to see in Toronto everyone pulling together but definitely it can happen there, it can happen anywhere,” Jessica said.
Other tourists agreed.
“It was awful, it's very shocking and it just reminds us that the world has changed today and we have to be proactive with security, especially in large group outings and just every day on the street,” Liz Segel said.
New Orleans Homeland Security has taken steps over the last year to do just that by installing moveable blockades around Bourbon and increasing the use of other deterrents in the French Quarter.
“It's not just a single thing, it's a layered approach,” Chief Tim McConnell said. “Not just the bollards but the cameras in place at each intersection, the license plate readers.”
Several tourists were impressed by the display of security over the weekend while others wonder why Bourbon isn't blocked off to cars 24/7. Chief McConnell said it's something the city has considered but for now they're trying to balance security and the needs of businesses.
“The bollards are moved on a daily basis, obviously we have to let businesses come and be able to conduct their business so they are moved in and out of place daily by law enforcement,” McConnell said.