Following a tragic New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street where a truck plowed into a crowd, questions have arisen concerning the city's security preparations. Temporary barriers, intended to restrict vehicle access during bollard replacement, were reportedly not properly deployed, allowing the attacker to bypass a police blockade. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has stated that her office will be reviewing security protocols in advance of the upcoming Super Bowl.

The incident has highlighted a 2017 report that recommended enhanced security measures for the French Quarter, including new bollards, street cameras, and a central command center, citing the area's vulnerability to mass casualty events and terrorism. The report specifically noted the risk of vehicle attacks, referencing incidents in Nice, London, and New York City.

A discarded black and white flag lies near the truck used in the attack. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Authorities patrol Bourbon Street following its reopening. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

Authorities maintain a presence on Bourbon Street. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

A comparison of barricade positions on different streets in the French Quarter. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

Video footage captures the truck attack.

Tourists navigate around temporary barriers. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Bourbon Street reopens to pedestrians. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

Former FBI official Bill Daly pointed out the inadequacy of the temporary barriers, contrasting them with more robust measures employed in Times Square. It has since come to light that New Orleans had purchased heavy-duty mobile barriers in 2017, but these were not deployed during the New Year's Eve celebrations. The CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, the company that supplied the barriers, confirmed their effectiveness and expressed concern over their improper installation.