In the wake of Wednesday morning’s attack on Bourbon Street that left 14 dead and dozens injured, a Memphis couple on their way back from New Orleans was among the many people celebrating the New Year before the attack.

In a statement to ABC24, the City of Memphis emphasized that permanent barriers along Beale Street are designed to stop vehicles up to 7.5 tons traveling at 40 mph. However, in light of the recent tragedy in New Orleans, the Downtown Memphis Commission is taking another look at its safety strategies.

In the wake of the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, Memphis' plan for keeping Beale Street goers safe is "robust," Mayor Paul Young said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

Hundreds filled the streets Monday evening for the annual Joan of Arc parade through New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Organizers said they wanted the event to convey the city’s spirited grit as it grapples with the violent New Year’s Day attack but still persists with beloved traditions.

Women dressed as angels, hands clasped in prayer, passed through New Orleans Monday evening to celebrate the first parade of Carnival season, just blocks from where 14 people were killed five days ago by a rampaging driver.

The 2025 Carnival season in New Orleans began taking shape against a somber backdrop Monday (Jan. 6), but with Twelfth Night celebrants eager to show the city would not be bowed by the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street.