New York Police Department Boosts Security for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The New York Police Department is stepping up security along the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route this year, in response to heightened concerns about terrorism in New York state due to the Israel-Hamas war.
During a recent visit to the NYPD's joint command center for the parade, "CBS Mornings" got an exclusive look at the preparations being made to ensure public safety. NYPD counterterrorism deputy commissioner, Rebecca Weiner, emphasized the extensive measures being taken to safeguard the event.
"We've deployed teams from our counterterrorism division, heavy weapons teams, blocker trucks, sand trucks, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear detection and mitigation equipment, bomb squad, counterdrone capability, and more. We are utilizing all available resources to ensure the focus remains on the parade," Weiner stated.
Weiner, who oversees intelligence-gathering for events like the parade, also revealed that her team is monitoring online platforms to identify any potential threats. However, she clarified that there have been no specific threats related to the parade at this time.
"We have seen increases in all manner of issues, certainly, but nothing focused on this parade," an official said. "So when we say there are no specific credible or imminent threats to the parade, we really do mean that."
A security alert reveals concerns over potential attacks on group gatherings and public events in the United States, particularly in New York state. The online chatter surrounding these threats is believed to be linked to ongoing violence in the Middle East.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reassured the public on Tuesday that parade security has been increased by the NYPD and State Police. She pointed to the successful security measures implemented during the recent New York City Marathon as evidence of their ability to protect large-scale events in the city.
"Are we living in a heightened threat environment? Absolutely. Are we seeing an increase in calls for violence? Absolutely. Those calls are coming from outside the country and inside, but there are no credible threats to the parade or to New York at this time," said a commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "Everyone should feel absolutely safe going out there and enjoying the holiday."
