Kim Alexander sat in the center of the half-filled sanctuary as music and prayers filled the room. While Bishop Lester Love spoke from the pulpit about healing and hope, Alexander was unsure that the city would become safer after a reckless car killed 14 New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street. It didn’t seem like it was.
“There are too many uninhabited areas in the French Quarter, and there are too many uninhabited areas in the city,” the 60-year-old New Orleans resident told NBC News after the service. She said she thinks more police officers should be hired.
She wasn’t the only one worried. Hundreds of New Orleanians gathered at City of Love Church on Saturday morning to seek comfort and understanding in the wake of the attack. With their hands raised and tears streaming down their faces, participants sang, shouted and prayed not just for the victims, but for the attackers, the city and a safer future.
The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, drove a rented truck into a crowd of people partying on Bourbon Street in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Authorities say he posted a video online professing support for ISIS during a trip to New Orleans. Mr. Jabbar was killed in a gunfight with police after pushing his way through the crowd.
The atmosphere at the morning prayer meeting oscillated between sadness and determination. Police officers stood alongside grieving members of the New Orleans community.
“Even though we are going through hardships, things will get better,” Love told the congregation. “Cities are hurting, but they are also resilient.”
During the Saturday morning service, the congregation hears from Bishop Lester Love. (Deon J. Hampton/NBC News)
As the city prepares for next month’s Super Bowl and March’s Mardi Gras, law enforcement and local officials vowed to increase safety measures.
After the prayer service, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said the city will remain vigilant in the coming months to keep residents and visitors safe, but that another mass killing cannot be ruled out.
“Anyone can do anything at any time,” Hutson said, adding that law enforcement is fully prepared to respond. “If someone wants to do something, they’ll figure out a way to do it.”
Still, the tragedy has some wondering whether New Orleans is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors in the coming months. In addition to the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place in April, and the annual event draws about 400,000 people each year, according to its website.
Some people rely on faith to persevere. “I believe God is directing my steps,” said Tishawn Francis, 45, a worship attendee.
Will Holmes, 44, said he’s optimistic because New Orleans is better prepared to deal with such an event.
Participants stand to pray at a church service in New Orleans on Saturday morning. (Deon J. Hampton/NBC News)
Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who attended the service, reiterated her commitment to supporting the victims and their families. In addition to the 14 people killed, dozens of others were injured, many of whom are still in area hospitals.
Former police superintendent Michael Harrison said the tragedy could have been much worse and praised law enforcement for their quick response.
Harrison said the gunman may have used a gun instead of a truck because he “was going to kill no matter what.”
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