In the USA, caution and ‘solidarity’
New York on alert after string of horrific attacks in U.K.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Sunday that it had no evidence of “a specific, credible terror threat in the United States” but was monitoring developments in London.
In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city was on alert, with critical-response units in “particularly prominent” locations citywide.
“That means New Yorkers today will see a heavier presence at key locations around the city,” he said Sunday. “You will see a stronger police presence, including our counterterror forces, which are heavily armed and heavily geared.”
But de Blasio said the heavy police presence “is not a cause for alarm — that is a cause for comfort, to see the NYPD out in strength to protect us against any situation.” De Blasio said New Yorkers “stand in solidarity with the people of London.”
In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Conference of Mayors praised London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Khan has “risen above this crisis of death and destruction, as mayors continue to do, to alleviate fear, to bring comfort to his people of London and to give support to the first responders who continue to protect, defend and provide emergency care to his people of London,” conference CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran said in a statement.
Cochran noted that so far in 2017, cities worldwide have experienced 500 terror attacks, with 3,500 deaths “and many more physically and mentally wounded.”
Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring developments in the U.K., and it cautioned U.S. citizens in London to “maintain security awareness.” Any American citizens who need help should contact the U.S. Embassy in London, officials said.
Heightened security “is not a cause for alarm — that is a cause for comfort.” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio