The private security firm that has been studying the terror attack in New Orleans, and the response, has issued its findings.
It outlines many deficiencies in the New Orleans Police security plan and offers steps to improve protection.
Teneo Risk says, "Staffing levels, resource allocation and distribution, availability of critical infrastructure protective barriers, and communication inefficiency challenge the NOPD’s ability to address the growing threats against the city."
Here's the bullet list of the Teneo Risk findings
- New Orleans remains vulnerable to terror attacks... particularly vehicle versus pedestrian attacks like the one that killed 14 and wounded dozens more people on New Year's Day
- Pedestrians in the French Quarter and at Mardi Gras parades are particularly vulnerable to another deadly vehicle attack
- New Orleans needs more robust intelligence, more efficient defenses, and better communication between agencies that was lacking even during the recent Super Bowl and Mardi Gras
- The city has insufficient chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive detection capabilities
- Trash bins along parade routes during Mardi Gras provide a nefarious actor a place to hide IEDs or other weapons and devices
The report says, "Bourbon Street embodies Western decadence and economic vitality, making it a prime target."
Teneo's analysis determines threats aren't only relevant during major events.
"Bourbon Street is extremely vulnerable to a vehicle ramming attack any time of year. Vehicle ramming remains a persistent security threat, leveraged by extremist groups and other bad actors," the report states.
The experts also said efforts during recent big events fell short.
"Our observations while attending inter-agency meetings leading up to Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras indicated a lack of uniform understanding of roles and responsibilities related to personnel deployment, as well as related to the acquisition, deployment, and removal of security equipment."
The 44-page report also takes issue with the lack of human resources tasked with addressing the threat, saying New Orleans Police should dedicate more people to the effort.
"The Intelligence Division within the NOPD is a small team," Teneo said. "The overall security assessment and observations during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras indicated necessary improvements in staffing levels, deployment of assets, communication within the department and with external partners, intelligence collection and dissemination, restrictions in vehicle access, and training and establishment of specialized law enforcement teams - all of which will strengthen the NOPD’s capabilities to meet the demands of a new and evolving threat landscape."
The analysis also identified inadequate vehicle barriers along parade routes.
"Based on our conversations with the NOPD, the department deployed all available assets that they had in inventory or were made available to the department, including ~240 jersey barriers, 1400 90lb concrete barriers, 120 water bollards and 50 mitigating vehicles. Those barriers which we did identify in certain areas along parade routes were not crash rated and would not stop errant vehicles driving down the road."
Teneo's report also calls for better technology through "advanced monitoring tools that could enhance efficiency and effectiveness."
On January 1, 2025, a terrorist drove a vehicle around barricades and police cars to drive on the sidewalk before ramming pedestrians on Bourbon Street, leaving 14 people dead and dozens injured during the 2025 New Year’s Day celebration.
Among the recommendations, the report advises "As a best practice, and to provide the most secure configuration to protect against a future vehicle ramming attack on Bourbon Street, Teneo Risk recommends the city establish a hard perimeter on Bourbon Street, creating a permanent pedestrian plaza."
NOPD called a news conference to respond to the report today.
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