New York City is bracing for a security threat like never before given the potential for retaliation from Iran after a US air strike in Baghdad yesterday killed Tehran’s most prominent military commander, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The city is constantly vigilant against possible terrorist attacks given its history, but de Blasio said the threat changed significantly overnight considering the resources of a modern, major nation such as Iran compared to those of non-state organisations like Al Qaeda or ISIS.
“New Yorkers deserve to know that we have entered into a different reality,” the mayor told a news conference.
De Blasio and senior police officials called the news conference as Iran promised vengeance in response to the US attack that killed senior military leader Qassem Soleimani.
While stressing there was no specific, credible threat at this time, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said officers were on “heightened vigilance” and New Yorkers could expect to see more uniformed officers, some heavily armed with long guns, at sensitive areas.
Greater security is typically seen on the subway, other mass transit, and tourist attractions at times of heightened alert.
New York has been the target of repeated attacks on civilians, including the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and failed attempts such as a truck bomb that did not explode in Times Square or a plot to bomb the subway that police thwarted.
In response, the NYPD has built intelligence and counterterrorism divisions, posting officers in 14 foreign locations.
But the escalation of tensions with Iran meant “a world of difference” and “we have to assume this action puts us in a de facto state of war,” the mayor said.
Other US cities were also taking precautions.
Chicago increased security at airports and issued warnings to “stay vigilant after the holiday season,” officials said.
Los Angeles police asked people to remain on alert and said they were monitoring events in Iran.
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement yesterday that his agency was working with law enforcement officials and others across the country and was ready to respond to any threats, though none had yet been detected.
NYPD officers stand guard at Times Square yesterday in New York City. The NYPD will take actions to protect the city and residents against any possible retaliation after the deadly US airstrike in Iraq, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference yesterday.
