Governor Andrew Cuomo today
announced that following the terrorist attack in Midtown Manhattan he has
directed state agencies, including the New York State Police, National Guard,
the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to
increase security at high-profile locations around the state, including airports,
bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems. Additional personnel are being
deployed to high-density areas and large public gatherings. These are
precautionary measures, not based on any specific intelligence on ongoing
threats.
"Today we are reminded
yet again that the principles of freedom and democracy that New York represents
have made us a target for those who seek to disrupt our way of life," Governor Cuomo said. "Out of an
abundance of caution, we are stepping up security measures at high-profile
locations and transportation hubs while the investigation progresses. We will
remain vigilant. I want to thank our first responders and all other personnel who continue to
risk their own lives every day in the service of their fellow New Yorkers, and
I encourage everyone to go about their business and live their lives without
fear."
State Police & National Guard
The New York State Police responded
immediately to the incident and remain on scene working with the NYPD and other
state and federal law enforcement partners. The Governor has also directed the
State Police to double the number of Troopers assigned to the major
transportation hubs in New York City. They have been on a heightened state of
alert since before the start of the holiday season, and will continue to have
an increased presence at critical state infrastructure and transportation
facilities. The New York National Guard were also among the first to respond on
scene. They have doubled their presence and will continue to coordinate with
their law enforcement partners to provide additional assistance as needed.
Division of Homeland Security &
Emergency Services
The New York State Division of Homeland
Security and Emergency Services has been in contact with key local public
safety officials in New York City including NYPD, Port Authority, and MTA, as
well the FBI. Commissioner Roger Parrino along with key staff from the Office
of Emergency Management and Office of Counter Terrorism are on the scene or in
route. The New York State Emergency Operations Center, as a precaution, has
activated to Level 4 enhanced monitoring. The Division remains in a state of
readiness and prepared to disseminate information to our public safety partners
statewide as necessary.
Port Authority of New York
& New Jersey
Port Authority Police has
have doubled its presence and remains on heightened alert at all of the
agency's bridge, tunnel, rail, World Trade Center and other facilities. Actions
include increased patrols and checks of bags, buses, trucks and trains at
agency locations. Travelers are reminded to remain vigilant and report any
suspicious activities to police or other authorities.
Metropolitan Transportation
Authority
The MTA has increased its patrols
and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its
agencies. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and
plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as
other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail
Road network. Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide
extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security. Railroad
customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of
trains, and random bag checks at various locations.
Behind the scenes, the MTA
Police Department, MTA New York City Transit security and MTA Bridges and
Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their threat
response with other police and security agencies to ensure a seamless web of
protection throughout the region.
New York State Police and
the New York National Guard members have been assigned to high-profile MTA
locations for more than a year, and they are helping secure these locations as
well as reassuring the public that the authorities are dedicated to ensuring
their safety. The MTA closely monitors large public events that occur in or
near its facilities and will provide heightened awareness of activities
there.
The MTA works closely with
the NYPD to secure New York's subways and buses, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Officers are using a mix of visual and technological surveillance to ensure
safety at its seven bridges and two tunnels in New York City.
Last week,
Governor Cuomo launched a counterterrorism advisory panel, chaired by Kenneth L.
Wainstein, partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell, and former Homeland
Security Advisor to President George W. Bush. The advisory panel also includes
Raymond W. Kelly, the former New York City Police Commissioner under both
Mayors David Dinkins and Michael Bloomberg, and Lisa O. Monaco, the former
Homeland Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. After agreeing to
chair the panel, Mr. Wainstein immediately started an in-depth evaluation of
the state's counterterrorism assets, authorities, and overall effectiveness,
which will result in recommendations for enhanced coordination among the
state's counterterrorism authorities and strengthened security at airports,
bridges, tunnels and other major assets throughout the state. Those
recommendations will be formulated in conjunction with Mr. Kelly and Ms.
Monaco, and delivered to the Governor in time to inform his 2018 State of the
State and Budget addresses. After delivery of its initial recommendations, the
panel will continue its important work, developing execution plans for their
initial recommendations, further studying the state's readiness to meet today's
terrorist threat, and developing other possible proposals that will enhance the
effectiveness of our counterterrorism program.
"If You See
Something, Say Something"
New Yorkers are reminded to
stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity.
Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State
Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697);
or by email: ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.
New Yorkers can also
download See Something, Send Something on your smartphone to inform authorities
of a potential threat. Visit https://www.ny.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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