In the wake of heightened security concerns surrounding the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, Mayor Eric Adams has expressed apprehension about potential disruptions during the annual event. The city is on high alert due to the Middle East crisis and an increased terror alert, prompting the NYPD to intensify preparations.
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Mayor Adams, a former police officer, drew attention to recent attempts by pro-Palestine protesters to interrupt city events, citing clashes during last month’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
Although no specific threats have been mentioned, Adams emphasized the need for readiness, especially after a teenager attacked two police officers with a machete during a previous New Year’s Eve celebration.
This year’s festivities are also marked by a court settlement requiring the NYPD to deploy fewer officers to public protests and banning the controversial “kettling” tactic.
The settlement, resulting from a lawsuit filed by Black Lives Matter protesters who alleged First Amendment rights violations during the 2020 protests, is now a source of concern for the mayor.
Adams, initially supportive of the settlement, has voiced worries about the restrictions on handling protests, particularly referencing recent pro-Palestine demonstrations. He stressed his belief that people should not be allowed to take over streets or disrupt the city’s functioning.
Lisa Zornberg, Adams’ chief counsel, clarified that the settlement includes a tiered system for responding to protests, with a prohibition on blocking critical infrastructure.
As preparations for the New Year’s Eve celebration unfold, concerns persist about potential disruptions.
Recent arrests during a protest near Rockefeller Center and social media posts hinting at a “Shut it Down” day of action on Dec. 31 have added to the apprehension.
Despite these concerns, opinions among locals are mixed, with some expressing support for protest causes but doubting their impact on security measures.
While the Times Square Alliance representative predicts the likelihood of someone attempting to disrupt events in Times Square, many tourists and revelers in the iconic location reportedly have little fear of trouble on the final night of 2023.
Residents, drawing on post-9/11 experiences, express confidence in the police department’s vigilance and security measures.
Tags: Black Lives Matter, Eric Adams, First Amendment, New York, New York City, New York Stock Exchange, NYPD
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
THE NYPD IS STEPPING UP SECURITY MEASURES FOR THE UPCOMING NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION UNDER ORDERS FROM MAYOR ERIC ADAMS
THE CITY IS ALREADY ON HIGH ALERT. PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTORS CLASHED WITH POLICE ON CHRISTMAS DAY NEAR GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL AND INTERUPPTED LAST MONTH’S CHRISTMAS TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER. ALTHOUGH NO SPECIFIC THREATS HAVE BEEN MADE – ADAMS EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR READINESS.
MAYOR ERIC ADAMS | (D) NEW YORK CITY
“Safety is always a serious concern during New Year’s Eve due to the large number of people attending events like this, making it a potential target for mischief. The police department is actively addressing this concern. Additionally, there’s added worry because of recent protests, including an attempt to disrupt the tree lighting. Authorities anticipate similar attempts this year to use the event stage for expressing various concerns.”
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA HAVE ALREADY HINTED AT A “SHUT IT DOWN” DAY OF ACTION ON DECEMBER 31ST. MAYOR ADAMS – A FORMER POLICE OFFICER – BELIEVES THAT N-Y-P-D CAN DRAW ON PAST EXPERIENCES TO HANDLE ANY SECURITY CONCERNS – ALLUDING TO LAST YEAR’S MACHETE ATTACK ON TWO OFFICERS.
MAYOR ERIC ADAMS | (D) NEW YORK CITY
Many people might not remember the assault on two police officers and the NYPD thoroughly analyzed their response to that situation. We are ensuring that distractions do not interfere with our presence at designated locations. It’s known in policing, especially during potential terrorist actions, to avoid being drawn away from one area to a specific target. We are actively working to prevent such distractions and maintain security.
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
MORE THAN ONE MILLION REVELERS GATHER IN TIMES SQUARE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR. ADAMS DESCRIBES THE SAFETY PLAN AS A “HERCULEAN TASK,” EMPHASIZING THE CHALLENGE OF MAINTAINING ORDER AND SECURITY DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
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