New York, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that following the apparent terrorist attack in
New York City’s Lower Manhattan on October 31st he has directed state agencies to be more visible. Organizations involved include New York State Police, National Guard, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Security in being increased at high-profile locations around the state, including airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems. Additional personnel are being deployed to high-density areas and large public gatherings. These are precautionary measures, not based on any specific intelligence on ongoing threats. Governor Cuomo also directed One World Trade Center to be lit in red, white and blue in honor of freedom and democracy.
The MTA has added patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its operations. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal as well as major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security.
Governor Cuomo said, “I am deeply saddened by the attack on New York, and I join all New Yorkers in mourning the innocent lives we lost today. New York is an international symbol of freedom and democracy, and that makes us a target for people who oppose our way of life. I want to reassure all New Yorkers that at this point we have no evidence that the attack is part of a wider plot involving more than one individual. Out of an abundance of caution, we are stepping up security measures at high-profile locations and large public gatherings while the investigation continues. I want to thank all of the first responders, including the New York State Police, Port Authority Police Department, NYPD, FDNY and all of the other personnel who put their lives on the line every day. I encourage all New Yorkers to go about their business and live their lives without fear.”
“If You See Something, Say Something”
New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697); or by email: ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.
