As tens of thousands of spectators and visitors converged on New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, including President Donald Trump, security was at an all time high, especially in the aftermath of the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street terrorist attack. Federal, state and local agencies have partnered to ensure the safety of the thousands of tourists who have flocked to the Crescent City, and among the over 2,000 members of law enforcement is a familiar face to the Tri-City area. Morgan City native, Eric Delaune, who launched his law enforcement career with the Morgan City Police Department, is now the Special Agent in Charge of Investigations with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, whose responsibilities include Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Among Delaune’s many responsibilities is to oversee the federal government’s security response to the Super Bowl.
Delaune recently spoke to the Atchafalaya Intracoastal Coalition and explained that the Super Bowl has a SEAR 1 designation. A SEAR 1 designation is for a significant event with national and/or international importance that requires extensive federal interagency support. An example of a SEAR 1 event is President Trump’s recent inauguration on January 20 in Washington D.C.
On Monday, Delaune appeared at a press conference with newly sworn-in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to discuss security preparations for Sunday’s big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Delaune was recognized by Noem during the press conference which was held near a memorial for the victims of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack.
Delaune was also interviewed by Inside Edition earlier in the week. You may watch the interview below.
