Rose Parade security at highest levels after deadly New Orleans attack

United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard presents the colors at the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

PASADENA – The 136th Rose Parade was held in Pasadena Wednesday, with the festivities tempered somewhat by news of the deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans in the early morning hours, where as many as 15 people were killed when a truck was intentionally driven into a crowd of holiday revelers.

“As so many here in Los Angeles wake up to begin the new year, they will be greeted by the devastating news of terror and violence in New Orleans,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Wednesday morning.

“The Los Angeles Police Department is coordinating with federal partners to keep Angelenos safe. Local and regional law enforcement will remain vigilant at events in the L.A. region including the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl Game and other gatherings,” Bass added.

“Our city’s thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by this morning’s horrific incident.”

Tournament of Roses organizers and the city of Pasadena also extended condolences to the people of New Orleans.

“We stand in solidarity with the entire state during this difficult time,” they said in a statement.

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Organizers pointed out that the Rose Parade route had a “a hard shutdown” to vehicles along the 5 1/2-mile route, robust vehicle barriers at each intersection, and more than 1,000 law enforcement personnel working the parade and the Rose Bowl Game that follows later Wednesday.

The Rose Bowl was still scheduled to kick off shortly after 2 p.m.

Wednesday, although the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed 24 hours due to security concerns.

FBI officials said an ISIS flag was located in the vehicle that drove into the crowd, and said the accused truck driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, might not have been acting alone.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department put out the following statement shortly before noon Wednesday:

“We are aware of the horrific incident in New Orleans, and we offer our prayers to the victims and all those affected. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department maintains the safety and security of all people as our top priority.  We have implemented a variety of security measure to ensure all are able to celebrate safely.”

“While partnering with the Pasadena Police Department and numerous Federal agencies, we have street closers, barricades, hundreds of uniformed law enforcement personnel, monitoring equipment and a variety of intelligence components to help keep everyone safe,” the statement said.

“At this time, there is no known credible threats to the Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game, but we are maintaining a heightened level of vigilance considering the events that occurred in New Orleans. We ask all members of the public report anything suspicious to law enforcement.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office released the following statement Wednesday morning:

“In light of this morning’s horrific terrorist attack in New Orleans, the State Threat Assessment Center is on heightened alert, closely coordinating and sharing information with partner law enforcement agencies.

While there are currently no credible threats directed at California events, @Cal_OES urges all Californians to remain vigilant while attending public events today.”

The Long Beach Police Department also promised increased vigilance.

“We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in New Orleans this morning and are in close communication with our law enforcement partners.

While there is no nexus to Long Beach, out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence throughout the City,” the LBPD said.

“As always, please remember: `If You See Something, Say Something.’ Report any suspicious activity to Police Dispatch at 562.435.6711, or call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.” (CNS)