Bourbon Street reopened Thursday with light crowds as tourists and locals turned away from the world-famous destination after an assailant cut through a crowd of exposers and killed more than a dozen people on New Year’s Day.
A heavy law enforcement presence was seen late Thursday as gatherings from near and far filtered into bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
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Along the street is a makeshift memorial made of small teddy bears, candles and flowers put together by local workers who witnessed the attack early Wednesday morning and wanted to pay their respects to those who died. Ta.
“I wanted to honor these people and bring a little bit of hope back to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter,” said Maria Fields, 30, standing in front of the monument she helped create. Ta.
Maria Fields, 30, right, stands Thursday by the memorial she helped build for the victims on Bourbon Street. (Deon J. Hampton/NBC News)
Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army veteran from Texas, drove his truck past dozens of people early Wednesday, killing 14 and injuring 30 more.
Throughout Thursday evening and into the night, the sights, bright lights and loud noises on Bourbon Street were the same as usual, but without the strong participation.
Fred Appleton, 32, of New Orleans, said he was nervous about the recent attacks and was afraid to see friends.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever have to go back to normal life. I hope nothing happens,” he said, pledging not to go out for too long.
Demelza Outram, 40, from Western Australia, was visiting Bourbon Street for the first time. She said the attack didn’t scare her.
“I doubt anyone will strike in the same place again, especially with so much police presence here,” Outram said, adding it’s a great time to support local businesses.
“It didn’t diminish my intention to come here. If anything, I want to come here and support people and businesses because I don’t want people to suffer,” she said.
Heavily armed FBI agents roamed the French Quarter, keeping surveillance.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said early Thursday that the city had added protective equipment, including large trucks and heavy steel fencing.
More than 30 New Orleans police officers formed a circle in the center of Bourbon Street Thursday night and prayed for the city and its soul throughout the night.
They bowed their heads, clasped some hands and remained silent as the chaplain spoke to them about their mission in life.
“There are jobs in this world that people want to do,” police chaplain Ken DeSoto said after the prayer. “At a time like this, they need encouragement. These police officers are human beings too. They are heroes.”
New Orleans Police Chaplain Ken DeSoto (center) leads other police officers in prayer on Bourbon Street on Thursday. (Deon J. Hampton/NBC News)
Rick Goldstein, 72, of Houston, said he drove four hours to celebrate and ring in 2025.
He, too, said the attack did not deter him from visiting the historic destination.
“I’m looking for a place to eat dinner,” he said on Bourbon Street. “And to listen to music.”
This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more. NBC News here:
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