All NYPD officers reporting for duty Friday will be in full uniform as police step up patrols across New York City after a former Hamas chief called for protests across the Muslim world.
New Yorkers and commuters are likely to notice a greater security presence at schools, places of worship, transit hubs and in key neighborhoods, which were not disclosed.
There were no credible threats to New York City. The heightened security measures are in place in case of potential threats, while protests over Israel’s war with Hamas are expected to continue.
Nicholas Brothers, special agent in charge with the FBI in New York, said his team is actively monitoring the situation from all angles.
“We are working actively with NYPD to ensure that all areas throughout the city are being protected and we’re maintaining vigilance on high-value locations, such at the United Nations and other diplomatic institutions,” said Brothers.
Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered the National Guard to help protect transit hubs and said she directed New York State Police to ramp up security at yeshivas, synagogues, museums and other gathering places.
“We want to reiterate to New Yorkers, there’s no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives or their routines,” said Hochul.
“We have designated squads here in the New York office working with our joint terrorism task force to monitor tips, leads and any information coming in,” said Brothers. “We vigorously review those and investigate them and determine if they’re credible and then take action as appropriate.”
The MTA said it’s also taking extra measures to ensure transit safety on Friday.
Source : CBS
