After New Orleans attack, security boosted for Peach Bowl
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - After a terrorist attack on New Year’s revelers in New Orleans early Wednesday, the city of Atlanta says it has added extra security for the Peach Bowl.
“The city of Atlanta will take a look, and also other major cities will take a look, at what happened in New Orleans and see how they can fill in those gaps to make sure we don’t have those types of incidences here,” said Rodney Bryant, former Atlanta police chief.
Police say they had already implemented increased security measures for the game that kicked off at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including the deployment of additional officers.
However, after raised concerns, they will do more.
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“In light of today’s development and as an added precaution, specialized units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the Downtown and Midtown areas to ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors,” the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement.
In New Orleans, a driver rammed a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring 35 others just after 3 a.m. The suspect was killed in a firefight with police following the attack in the city’s bustling French Quarter, the FBI said.
Investigators were combing the French Quarter for potential explosive devices, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised following the events earlier this morning in New Orleans,” an APD spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the City of New Orleans and the NOPD.”
Bryant said he expects current Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum to connect with FBI Atlanta and FBI New Orleans in the coming days to assess if security changes need to be made in Atlanta for the largescale sporting events.
“You reevaluate your plan especially after you see an event like this,” said Bryant.
Georgia will now play Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans at 4 p.m. EST on Thursday. The Peach Bowl featured Arizona State University and the University of Texas.
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