ANDERSON — As the investigation of the New Year’s attack that left 15 dead in New Orleans continues, local officials said the tragedy provides several sobering reminders. “Clearly, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant about what things are going on around you, especially in large crowds that could draw attention from someone wanting to do ill will,” Madison County Sheriff John Beeman said. The Anderson Police Department provides security at a variety of festivals, block parties and other events in the city throughout the year.
For those events which typically draw large crowds, the planning often begins months in advance and includes risk assessments, detailed security plans and frequent communication with other agencies. “Planning security for a large event requires a systematic approach that addresses potential risks to ensure the safety of all attendees,” APD spokesman Caleb McKnight said. “Every event is different and is assessed according to its place, time and location.
” The investigation into the New Orleans attack could lead FBI and other federal officials down different paths, according to Anderson University President John Pistole. A former deputy director of the FBI, Pistole said the federal agency’s probe will seek to answer a variety of questions, including Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s motivations to drive a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans. “What was the tipping point? I think that’s the key that the FBI and their p.
