DETROIT (FOX 2) – Security is at the heart of many in the wake of the New Orleans tragedy – but what does this mean for the Lions' game on Sunday night against the Vikings?
Eastern Market is home to Lions Tailors, and one business owner tells us as sad as the accident was, he expects people to still be out there enjoying themselves.
Bert Dearing is the owner of Bert's Marketplace and he is still in shock about the disaster that hit New Orleans on New Year's Day.
“Whew, it's hard to explain,” he said. “I know we have fanatics all over the world or whatever, but why take away other people's family.”
Fifteen people died after a truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, leaving many others injured.
“I feel for the families, they're on vacation, just out there trying to enjoy themselves,” he said. “And it's nothing like New Orleans.”
Dearing says his favorite city is New Orleans. He currently owns Bert's Marketplace in Eastern Market and back in the 1970s, when he had his first bar, he would bring the whole gang down there for Mardi Gras.
“I would drive down there every other week 17 hours,” he said.
After Wednesday's tragedy, New Orleans law enforcement stepped up patrols and security, especially for Thursday's Sugar Bowl.
Dearing says he expects the same thing to happen here. This is what the Detroit police did after two victims were fatally shot at Eastern Market in September.
“The shooting they had was probably about two months ago,” Dearing said. “I think the police did a great job and you can see the police presence here. The market is safe.”
Katy Trudeau, president of the Eastern Market Partnership, says safety is key for them, especially for the Lions game this Sunday.
She gave a statement that read in part:
“We will use the same enhanced safety and security protocols we put in place in October on Sunday and as always work in close coordination with the Detroit Police Department to ensure the highest public safety measures are in place.” place during the day.”
Dearing says East Market is one of the safest places in town – and he expects it to be packed.
“It's about the Detroit Lions. What happened in New Orleans, people here, I think they're sorry it happened at all. But we're going to celebrate the Detroit Lions this week this.”
