The southern U.S. city of New Orleans is grappling with grief and reflection after a New Year's Day tragedy left 14 people dead when a U.S. Army veteran drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
A memorial to the victims has been erected on Bourbon Street, drawing locals and tourists alike to leave flowers and messages of support on the wall.
In the heart of the French Quarter, members of the New Orleans Police Department gathered for prayers Thursday night, in the wake of the New Year's Day tragedy.
Afterwards, the officers returned to their beats, and less than 48 hours on from the deadly attack, it was back to business as usual on Bourbon Street, the popular tourist address reopened to the public. Friday morning, the atmosphere nevertheless remained subdued.
"Normally the energy here is so enthusiastic, and you can just tell how the New Orleans people really took it to heart. So, I think people are like, no, we're going go back there and get on that bicycle and we're going to keep rolling. We're not going to let it put us down," said Debbie Watson, New Orleans visitor. "I went and gave blood yesterday to help the survivors. And you never think this can happen in your city, a city that's just full of joy and happiness. And I am so sad for the families," said Stephanie Williams, New Orleans resident.
Questions have been raised about how the city could have better prepared for such an attack, or even prevented it entirely.
On Bourbon Street, movable bollards were installed on roadside, which were designed to slide along rails to block traffic during big pedestrian events. But not long after being installed back in 2017, they became jammed with Mardi Gras beads and other refuse, and stopped working. If functional,they could have helped stop Wednesday's attack.
Many visitors, however, said the tragedy won't stop them from returning to this much-beloved city.
"My response to this is that I will come back to New Orleans, this is my third time here. I love this city. I love the culture, the art, the history, the architecture, everything about it, and I don't want people to be afraid to come here, because I've never felt unsafe. And terror attacks can happen anywhere as we know, any city," said Beth Munce, New Orleans visitor.
Nevertheless, security concerns are top of mind for local leaders, who are promising to ramp up safety measures ahead of the city's next major commitment: hosting American football's championship "Super Bowl" game on February 9.
Memorial set up for victims of New Orleans deadly truck attack
Memorial set up for victims of New Orleans deadly truck attack
Memorial set up for victims of New Orleans deadly truck attack
