Following the devastating New Year's Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, 21 plaintiffs, including victims and families of the deceased, have initiated legal action against the city of New Orleans and related entities. The lawsuit claims negligence led to the preventable tragedy, citing inadequate safety measures despite prior warnings and existing plans. The attack, perpetrated by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, resulted in 14 fatalities and 57 injuries when he drove a truck into the celebrating crowds. Among the plaintiffs is Antoinette Klima, whose son's father, Reggie Hunter, was killed. Klima expressed the profound impact of the loss on her family, particularly her young son, now facing a future without his father. Other plaintiffs include the parents of two students who sustained life-threatening injuries. Survivors of the attack shared their ongoing struggles with fear, anxiety, and flashbacks, highlighting the lasting emotional toll of the incident. The lawsuit specifically names the city of New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department, the French Quarter Management District, Mott MacDonald LLC, and Hard Rock Construction LLC as defendants. It alleges that the city deviated from its established safety protocols for New Year's Eve, prioritizing Super Bowl preparations over the immediate safety of residents and visitors during the holiday. The suit points to a temporary barrier at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets, which was reportedly placed incorrectly, enabling vehicles to access the pedestrian zone. Furthermore, the lawsuit references a 2017 report that identified the French Quarter as a high-risk area for potential mass casualty incidents, including terrorist attacks. It also cites a 2019 security assessment that specifically flagged Bourbon Street as a prime target and criticized the existing bollard system as ineffective. The plaintiffs argue that despite years of discussions, planning, and a $40 million investment in security measures following the 2016 Nice truck attack, the city failed to implement adequate safeguards, directly contributing to the tragedy. The FBI has confirmed Jabbar's prior visits to New Orleans and other international locations before the attack and is investigating the possibility of accomplices.
