The first anniversary of 2025 New Orleans New Year terror attack is an apt time to consider 2026 risks

The same holds true for Mid City near the Central Business District.

Domestic terrorism aside, apolitical gangs and lone assistants account for all local mass shootings to date, often occuring during holiday and big event weekends, Mardi Gras, as well as when 'second lines' or traditional Black street parades are held hailing from high crime areas where gatherings can become backdrops for active or mass shootings.

I think 2026 will likely see domestic terrorism strike again in New Orleans along with apolitical mass casualty events as threats national and municipal inadequately addressed by local officials find events in which to erupt.

Bars are under-defended by owners who don't manage rowdy patrons as a rule and underpaid security staff who are unarmed (not even with pepper spray for outside use), don't do body, bag or metal detector searches who are left without backing after critical incidents.

A would be terrorist or apolitical criminal has dozens of un-mobilized bars with stationary crowds to wreak havoc upon away from the French Quarter enhanced security zone.

This is a soft underbelly which will come back to haunt local officials because most bar owners are only concerned with making money and deny responsibility after smoke clears following major violence involving their venue.

They're hardly a reliable private first line of defense.

In 2026, I think bars and entertainment districts outside of a fortified French Quarter will be greater targets of opportunity.

Having created 'safe fun' or event security management for decades, I know this sad fact firsthand.