CITIES PREP FOR TERROR THREAT
Ahead of NYE events, authorities up security
Rooftop police sniper teams and sand truck barriers to thwart terrorist attacks will greet revelers at the nation’s top New Year’s Eve hot spots, as security experts warn of a high risk of “last gasp” ISIS-inspired attacks at celebrations in the West.
New York and Las Vegas police announced extraordinary new measures yesterday, while Boston police are expected to discuss their plans today.
The NYPD said anti-terrorism plans include:
• Police observation teams with “counter-sniper capabilities” watching over Times Square, ready to take out any snipers;
• Reflective surfaces deployed on buildings to help police locate a high-rise attacker;
• Dogs trained to sniff out explosives, as well as electronic wanding at entry points;
• Sand trucks and other barriers to thwart a truck attack;
• Cops among the crowd trained to spot and neutralize a suicide bomber.
“This is going to be one of the most well-policed, best-protected events at one of the safest venues in the entire world,” said New York Police Department Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “And we’ll ensure that New York City has yet another safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration — as we do every year.”
In Las Vegas, scene of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history just three months ago, measures will include:
• Police snipers posted atop high-rises throughout downtown and along the Las Vegas Strip;
• K-9s and mobile command units on the ground and “air assets” overhead;
• 300 National Guard troops and 1,500 police officers on duty;
• A doubling of rapidresponse teams, and medics ready with stockpiled bandages and other emergency supplies;
• Federal agents monitoring social media and other networks.
“Nobody puts on a New Year’s Eve show like Las Vegas, and never will it be as safe as it will be this year,” said Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak.
In Massachusetts, state police spokesman David Procopio told the Herald “there are no known threats” to the Bay State over New Year’s Eve, but that its Homeland Security Division will monitor intelligence and respond if needed.
“Troopers in the field, as always, will maintain a high level of situational awareness for any potential threats or any suspicious persons or items,” Procopio said. “We want the public to remember to call 911 immediately if they observe anyone or anything suspicious or out of place for the surroundings.”
In Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston police declined to discuss terrorism concerns and preparations last night, saying they will review security measures at a press conference today for the city’s First Night festivities.
Terrorism watchers said the threat of attacks in the United States and Europe is real.
“This has become the last gasp of the Islamic State as we know it,” Colin Clarke of the RAND Corporation said of so-called lone-wolf attacks, “They’re trying to inspire others to strike against the U.S. and the West.”
Max Abrahms, a counterterrorism expert at Northeastern University, said, “The likelihood of an Islamic State-inspired attack over the holidays in the West is pretty high.”
Abrahms noted that the Islamic extremist group wants to prove its relevance after severe battlefield losses in Iraq and Syria.
“The leadership has been instructing aggrieved Muslims all over the world to commit attacks locally,” Abrahms said. “Because the Islamic State is struggling, the group is particularly incentivized to commit an attack, and for a terrorist group like the Islamic State, there’s no better time of year to strike than over the holidays because it’s sure to elicit a large amount of media attention.”