The NFL’s security chief expressed confidence in the league’s plans for the Super Bowl, set to take place in New Orleans on February 9, following a terrorist attack that killed 14 people on New Year’s Day.
Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s chief security officer, said on Wednesday that security measures would be stronger around the game.
“I think the most important thing is, very clear and unequivocal, saying without hesitation that we are really confident in our security plan going into the Super Bowl,” she said.
New Orleans is expected to host about 100,000 visitors for the 11th Super Bowl held there, according to Collin Arnold, the director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Investigations are underway to determine how an attacker, inspired by the Islamic State group, was able to drive his truck onto Bourbon Street and strike people celebrating New Year’s. A lawsuit claims the city and contractors did not put security measures in place that could have prevented the attack.
Lanier explained that the NFL had already planned security for the event over the past two years. The league worked with federal, state, and local authorities and reassessed the plans after the January 1 attack to ensure fans feel safe before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
“I think the biggest thing that you’ll see that’s different following the attacks is just a lot more visible law enforcement presence,” she said. “We are still prepared to make new modifications should something change between now and the Super Bowl. That’s kind of our job is to be flexible and make changes, as needed.”
Lanier added that the Department of Homeland Security gave the Super Bowl the second-highest security rating due to the attack.
“I feel very confident that we’re going to the Super Bowl in an environment that people are going to feel comfortable, they’re going to feel safe and they’re going to enjoy the Super Bowl,” she said.
