(The Center Square) − New Orleans officials said Thursday they are aware of a federal investigation into a plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Louisiana festival, after a North Carolina man was arrested in Florida.
Investigators believe the intended target was likely the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, though that has not been officially confirmed. The event started Thursday and runs through May 3.
Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison said city leaders would not release further details because the matter is being handled by federal authorities. He said the city remains confident in its public-safety preparations for upcoming events.
“City officials also want to reassure the public that New Orleans has a strong, comprehensive public-safety plan in place,” Harrison said, pointing to plans the city outlined earlier this month for French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest.
Authorities said the suspect was arrested Wednesday night in Destin, Fla. Investigators say he was headed to Louisiana to carry out a shooting at a large festival.
The city has announced an extensive security presence for Jazz Fest, including more than 200 New Orleans Police Department officers per day, support from state police and the National Guard, and vehicle-mitigation measures around the Fair Grounds.
That plan, outlined by city officials on April 13, calls for a multi-agency response centered on the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana National Guard, emergency medical teams and the city’s emergency management office. The city said its Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will staff an Event Command Post to monitor conditions and coordinate in real time during Jazz Fest operations.
Parks and Parkways is also deploying barriers at festival sites, and the city said additional concrete barriers will be installed to strengthen perimeter security.
The vehicle-mitigation measures include closure of intersections at Mystery, Sauvage, North White, North Lopez and Crete streets at Fortin Street. Transit service and rideshare activity are also being monitored and adjusted to handle festival crowds.
