City Council commends NOPD officers for actions during New Year’s Day attack

The New Orleans City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2519 on Jan. 9, issuing formal commendation to New Orleans Police Department officers and other first responders who intervened during the New Year’s Day attack in the French Quarter.

The resolution, sponsored by multiple council members, notes that video footage showed officers running toward danger, that officers and unnamed civilians helped to stop the assailant and to prevent additional device detonations, and it records the council’s condolences to victims and gratitude to first responders. The measure recognized the trauma faced by responding officers and encouraged those affected to seek services from the city’s trauma recovery resources.

Council members and speakers at the meeting repeatedly thanked NOPD personnel, ambulances and other first responders and urged the city to support officers’ mental health needs. Several members emphasized that the officers’ rapid action likely prevented more casualties and that those officers embodied the department’s mission to protect and serve.

Superintendent and department representatives introduced precinct commanders and field supervisors to the council and each officer on the dais identified their assignment and years of service. Public commenters including emergency medical and fire officials joined council members in praising the response and urged continued support for first responders.

The council recorded the resolution and directed that it be entered into the council’s formal minutes. No additional funding or policy changes were enacted by the resolution; it provides formal recognition and a public record of commendation.