As New Orleans nears the anniversary of the New Year’s Day terror attack of 2025, public safety is top of mind heading into the 2026 holiday season. City leaders say the lessons learned from that tragedy are shaping a more proactive and visible security plan.
Colin Arnold, the director of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says preparations are already in place to protect residents and visitors during a stretch that includes New Year’s celebrations, the Sugar Bowl, and the start of Carnival.
“We’ve learned from what happened,” Arnold says. “And we’ve put strategies in place to be more proactive moving forward.”
Arnold says coordination with state and federal partners will be a key part of that effort.
“Our state and federal partners will be on hand and integral to security operations,” he says, “not just for New Year’s, but through the Sugar Bowl and into Carnival season.”
That coordination will be visible to the public.
“People will see a defined visual presence,” Arnold says. “Local, state, and federal authorities, and even National Guard members, will all be part of the security posture.”
Arnold also addressed concerns stemming from information that surfaced after last year’s attack, including reports of a second individual who may have been heading to New Orleans.
“That information prompted us to ask the federal government to reconsider the security rating for New Year’s and the Sugar Bowl,” he explains.
Arnold says federal agencies already operating in New Orleans have committed to providing additional support.
“ Our federal partners have stepped up and said they will support us with resources on land, in the sea and sky.” he says.
Arnold emphasizes that security planning includes both ground and air deployments and that public awareness also plays a role.
“New Orleans will be safe,” Arnold says. “With resources deployed on the ground and in the air, and with the public remaining vigilant, we expect this to be a good and safe holiday period.”
City leaders say the goal is to ensure residents and visitors can celebrate with confidence as New Orleans enters one of its busiest and most beloved seasons.