NYC Fourth of July events to see increased police presence due to elevated threat status.
In the heart of New York City, preparations for the annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show are underway, with a heightened sense of security due to elevated threat levels. The New York Police Department (NYPD) and its partners are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of the millions expected to attend the event.
The NYPD's marine units are monitoring the East River with high-tech counterterrorism boats equipped with radiation detection and underwater surveillance capabilities. This measure is part of a comprehensive security strategy that includes a significant increase in police presence, both visible and undercover. Thousands of NYPD officers, including plainclothes officers mixed in with crowds, will patrol the streets, and drone and aviation units will surveil the skies during the fireworks show.
The massive July 4 deployment is second only to New Year's Eve, according to Police Commissioner Weiner. Officers on the ground will be checking bags for weapons during the fireworks show, a measure aimed at preventing any potential threats from entering the event.
The NYPD's Joint Operations Center, an intelligence hub with access to over 50,000 cameras in the city, will be active during the fireworks show. State and federal law enforcement agencies will share information with the NYPD during the event, enhancing the intelligence-sharing efforts to proactively address potential risks and monitor social media for emerging threats.
The threat level has been raised due to conflicts overseas, incidents sparked by domestic extremists, and a warning from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies about lone wolf attacks. The current threat environment is incredibly challenging, according to Weiner, with threats coming from various sources including Iran, lone actors inspired by ISIS, and civil disobedience and unrest.
The NYPD is working to identify, detect, and disrupt potential bad actors and plots before they hatch, in partnership with other state and federal agencies. Strategic street closures around viewing areas are designed to insulate the festivities from potential incidents like the truck-ramming attack in New Orleans.
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show is expected to take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn, on the East River. Despite the heightened security measures, officials stress that they are prepared and urge the public to enjoy the celebrations while staying alert. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the “If you see something, say something” campaign.
CNN's John Miller and Holly Yan contributed to this report. The FBI, DHS, and other law enforcement agencies have issued a joint bulletin stating that the most significant terrorism threat facing the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence. The show is one of the largest fireworks displays in the country, and the NYPD's security response will be bigger than in previous years, reflecting the importance of ensuring the safety of all attendees.
During the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, us as spectators are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the "If you see something, say something" campaign. Amidst the general news, politics, crime-and-justice, and sports, the NYPD is focused on ensuring our safety, especially due to the elevated threat level from lone offenders and small groups, as highlighted by the FBI, DHS, and other law enforcement agencies.
