The 136th Rose Parade was being 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 at least 10 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.
Organizers pointed out that the Rose Parade route has 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.
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.”