James Smith, assistant director of New York’s FBI Subject Workplace, has warned that “there are threats on the market” forward of Occasions Sq.’s huge annual New Yr’s Eve celebration.
Smith confirmed that there shall be a large legislation enforcement presence throughout the celebration, together with undercover officers, SWAT, bomb squads, and others in tactical gear.
“I’d say total that, sure, there are threats on the market, however we’re on the market to guard the neighborhood day in and day trip,” Smith advised Fox Information.
Smith continued, “That’s our mission – to guard the neighborhood of all threats.”
The FBI is working alongside dozens of native, state, and different federal legislation enforcement businesses to verify everybody in attendance can ring within the new 12 months safely.
“We can have a footprint throughout the Time Sq. celebration to guard the neighborhood,” Smith stated. “We’ll have the whole lot from our SWAT ingredient to bomb groups on the market working with our companions.”
Smith urged folks to report any suspicious habits, saying, “In case you see one thing, say one thing.”
“We can’t shield the neighborhood with out folks reporting if there’s a risk or if a possible crime is about to happen,” Smith stated.
Fox Information studies that there may also be a command submit with “dozens” of businesses monitoring potential threats.
“The command submit is a room full of varied companions, the place we’re all speaking with one another on what we’re seeing on the streets,” Smith stated.
“We perceive the place our individuals are all through the occasion. We perceive the place there may very well be some scorching spots. I’m certain there’s going to be some demonstrations, or suspicious packages.”
Regardless of the potential threats, Smith urged folks to belief legislation enforcement and have a very good time.
“Have a very good time. Don’t worry. We’re there to guard you,” stated Smith. “Solely factor I’m asking for those who see one thing, say one thing. Inform the police officer on the nook or report one thing for those who assume one thing is flawed.”
