UPDATE: in a statement released Friday afternoon (August 19) Cantrell said “”We ARE NOT canceling Mardi Gras” She also noted steps underway to attract and retain police officers between now and Carnival Season.
At a town hall meeting Thursday night, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was asked what Mardi Gras 2023 might look like with a shrinking police force. The New Orleans City Council says NOPD is down from an average of 1,500 officers to just around a thousand.
“If we don’t have adequate police it could mean that there will be no Mardi Gras,” Cantrell answered.
Her response set off a firestorm. Arthur Hardy, who publishes the Mardi Gras Guide, says he was stunned by her answer.
“Hotels are already starting to fill up, and there’s so much interest with COVID mostly behind us. This is our year to have it back 100 percent,” Hardy said, and added he thinks even a reduced police force can handle the expected crowds.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says he is planning to ask for the authority to call in help from outside law enforcement agencies. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno implied that Cantrell is creating panic.
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