Six victims of the New Year's truck attack in New Orleans, along with the father of a deceased victim, have initiated a lawsuit against the city and two contractors, alleging negligence in protecting the community. The attack, undertaken by Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, resulted in the tragic deaths of 14 individuals and left at least 30 others injured.

The lawsuit, filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, highlights the failures of city officials and contractors to implement adequate safety measures despite prior warnings about the risks of vehicular attacks.

The plaintiffs include Alexis Windham, who sustained both impact and gunshot injuries, and several others who suffered broken bones and emotional distress. Among them is Joseph Taylor, the father of Brandon Taylor, who was killed during the attack. The lawsuit claims that necessary precautions, such as deployment of protective barriers, were either absent or ineffective at the time of the incident.

According to the lawsuit, the city invested approximately $40 million in public safety projects, including portable bollards designed to prevent vehicle access on Bourbon Street. However, it is claimed that these bollards were frequently obstructed by debris, significantly reducing their effectiveness. A report from 2019 indicated that the existing bollard system did not function properly and urgently required action.

The lawsuit further states that construction projects intended to enhance safety were ongoing during the New Year's Day attack. Jabbar was able to navigate around police blockades and onto Bourbon Street, reflecting the inadequate preparations made by city officials and contractors. “The intersection had the appearance of a soft target,” the lawsuit asserts, indicating that proper barriers were not in place during the attack.

In the aftermath of this horrific incident, other law firms have stepped forward to represent nearly two dozen victims, suggesting an awareness among officials of the potential dangers and a failure to act to protect the public. The affected families seek unspecified damages, hoping to highlight the critical need for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This lawsuit underscores the growing concern regarding the rise of vehicular attacks since the tragic event in Nice, France, in 2016, as cities grapple with the challenge of ensuring public safety in crowded areas during large events.