By Sgt. Danny Hough, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana National Guard Soldiers assisted local and state law enforcement with security operations in the New Orleans French Quarter during New Year’s Eve celebrations and the 92nd annual Sugar Bowl, Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026.
This New Year’s Eve marked one year since the 2025 terrorist attack in the French Quarter that claimed the lives of 14 civilians.
The 2026 Sugar Bowl marked the 92nd time the game was hosted in the State of Louisiana. The annual event typically draws between 65,000 and 70,000 attendees.
Guardsmen assigned to Task Force Defender partnered with the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enhance security for visitors attending New Year’s celebrations and the Sugar Bowl. Many of the Soldiers supporting the mission are residents of New Orleans and surrounding communities.
Soldiers conducted presence patrols in a densely populated urban environment characterized by narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, multistory buildings and large crowds.