Exclusive: Secret Service in New Orleans already ahead of Trump's visit to Super Bowl
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Caesars Superdome has new security checkpoints for Super Bowl guests before they can enter. Photo: Michael Owens/Getty Images
The Secret Service is already in New Orleans ahead of President Trump's visit for Super Bowl Sunday, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick tells Axios exclusively.
Why it matters: Security was a top focus in the city after the New Year's Day terrorist attack, and now there will be an additional layer due to a presidential visit.
The big picture: Local law enforcement officials estimate several hundred Secret Service agents will join the 2,000 or so other officers who were already part of the plans.
- New Orleans has tightened security throughout the heavily trafficked downtown area. Armed National Guardsmen are stationed on nearly every block around Bourbon Street, and vehicle barricades are everywhere you turn.
- The new checkpoints for bag screenings go into effect around Bourbon Street on Wednesday. There's a security perimeter with road closures around the Caesars Superdome as well.
- Federal agencies are also monitoring for drones and radiation.
Zoom in: Eric DeLaune, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security's New Orleans field office, told Axios exclusively on Tuesday that a presidential visit will likely mean additional closures.
- The Secret Service will be the lead agency, and their plans "will fold in seamlessly" with NOPD, Louisiana State Police and other partners, he said.
- "We'll just be adding security to what we already have," DeLaune said.
- Capt. Rodney Hyatt of LSP's Troop NOLA told Axios they also are already working with partners to make sure "everything is safe and secure" ahead of the presidential visit.
Zoom out: Kristi Noem, the new Homeland Security secretary, was in town Monday to reassure residents and visitors about the safety measures, noting that more than 24 federal agencies are involved.
- There are no credible threats to the game, she said.
- A congressional delegation visited the city on Monday to review security protocols for the high-profile event.
- NOPD also also hired Bill Bratton, a counterterrorism expert and the former New York Police Department commissioner, as a consultant to help with plans.
What we're watching: Trump didn't say when he will arrive in New Orleans. Kickoff is at 5:30pm between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
- During previous presidential visits, Interstate 10 had rolling closures while the presidential motorcade traveled from the airport, causing major traffic disruptions.
What's next: NOPD has a Super Bowl security briefing at 11:30am Wednesday.