New Orleans attack: Locals criticise officials who ‘chose not to’ implement sufficient security

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New Orleanians in the city’s French Quarter are returning to work after the deadly New Year’s Day attack, but say they expect better from their local government if people are expected to embrace the city again.

“At one time they were prepared for this sort of thing because they have equipment to prevent it. They chose not to use it," Gil Rubman, a photographer who works in the French Quarter, said. "And that’s the only reason this happened. A little forethought and this would have never happened,” he added.

Bollards in the French Quarter are currently being replaced, ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations.

While mourning the loss of life, wine distributor Shawn Kael said he hopes the attack will force local leadership to better prepare to prevent future attacks or even accidental incidents.

“Under the microscope, if it takes an incident for everybody to call out their inefficiencies, but then an incident happens and everyone scrutinizes their policies and their procedures, what they’re doing, they have no choice but to step up, I would think,” Mr Kael told Reuters.

Mr Kael explained safety may be inconvenient for non-residents and non-employees wanting to drive cars in the area, but it would ultimately improve the community.

President of the New Orleans tourism board, Walter Leger, said he heard from locals across town who hadn't planned going to the Sugar Bowl but bought tickets yesterday.

"I would expect this weekend to be even busier and have people showing that love and support,” he added.

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