New Orleans warned over vehicle attack five years ago

Security firm had concerns about defences and faulty traffic bollards

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

NEW Orleans city officials were warned five years ago that New Year celebrations were vulnerable to terrorist vehicle attacks.

In November 2019, a security firm flagged up serious problems in the French Quarter's defences, including faulty bollards intended to block traffic.

But on Wednesday, US-born Isis fanatic Shamsud-Din Jabbar used a rented truck to mow down and kill 14 revellers celebrating the start of 2025.

The report, prepared by Interfor International for the French Quarter Management District, focused on ramming and shooting threats and said barriers should be urgently upgraded.