New Orleans attack means increased security at Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, CMPD says
After a man killed 14 people by running them over with a truck in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced there will be an increased police presence at Friday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
The annual college football game will feature Virginia Tech and Minnesota Friday evening at Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte.
“This is a high profile game that draws large crowds and national attention,” Lt. Crystal Fletcher, a spokesperson for the department., said Thursday during a news conference. “Our top goal, as always, is the safety of every fan, participant and staff member.”
The department declined to give specifics on what has changed for “operational reasons,” but Fletcher said people will notice a “significantly increased presence” at Bank of America Stadium and “enhanced measures throughout the event.”
Weapons, nontransparent bags, alcohol, fireworks and laser pointers are not allowed inside the stadium, she said. A full list of banned items and other safety policies can be found at the Carolina Panthers’ website.
The FBI said what happened in New Orleans was a terror attack. The man who authorities say committed the attack formerly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Liberty when it was previously named Fort Bragg.
A spokesperson for the Charlotte Sports Foundation, which organizes the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, deferred any comments about increased security to CMPD.