NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Police Department deployed more than 400 officers Sunday for the first of two sold-out NBA YoungBoy concerts at the Smoothie King Center, marking one of the largest security deployments the city has ever seen for a concert.
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The massive police presence includes walking beats, mounted officers, bicycles, tactical units, drones, an armed vehicle and light towers in key areas, with support from state, local and federal partners.
NOPD said intelligence from other cities and federal authorities prompted the enhanced security measures. A law enforcement source told FOX 8 that social media reports indicate rivals of YoungBoy’s associates plan to attend the New Orleans concerts. The source also said an Atlanta concert was canceled after members of his entourage clashed with Atlanta police.
A large area around the Smoothie King Center was blocked off Sunday, with law enforcement presence highly visible as fans in black and lime green lined the sidewalk outside the arena.
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Alayjah Burton, who traveled from Greensburg with friends, said the extra security makes her feel safe.
“I’m glad they got a lot of security out here because there’s a lot of stuff going on,” Burton said. “I’m just glad that they have a lot of security to protect me. We feel safe.”
Another fan said the police presence was excessive.
“I mean, he’s a young kid, he’s making a bunch of other young kids happy,” the fan said. “He’s been in trouble before, but I don’t think it’s to the point where they need 400 extra police here. I’ve been to other cities where this show been going on, and nothing has happened.”
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Burton said she was excited for the performance by the Baton Rouge rapper.
“I’m looking forward to see YoungBoy, you know, all his fans, everybody,” she said. “He bring all the city out and all the people that he had performing with him.”
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