Security tight for Israel Day
THE NYPD will ramp up security Sunday for the Israel Day Parade though no specific, credible threat has been received, officials said Friday.
More than 1,000 cops, including counterterror teams armed with assault rifles, will staff the parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Sunday along Fifth Ave. from E. 57th St. to E. 74th St. Officials expect 30 floats, 12 bands and 75 motorcycles for the 70th anniversary of the birth of the state of Israel.
Some 70 vehicles, including trucks loaded with sand, will be on hand to block traffic at key intersections, officials said. Cops will allow pedestrians to cross the route at five spots — E. 57th St, E. 59 St., E. 60th St., E. 64th St. and E. 72nd St.
“We are committed to ensuring people’s freedom of expression for all and will not sacrifice the safety of anyone,” Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison told reporters.