Security is being heightened in major cities across the United States in wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. Although intelligence officials have found no evidence that suggests an imminent threat to the United States, increased police presence is still being put into place as a precautionary measure.
Tightened security was evident in New York, as officers with assault rifles were stationed around Times Square. Extra security was also noticed in French-owned locations and embassies in Washington, Boston, and New York City.
#ESU #SRG & #K9 are turning out additional enhanced deployments throughout the City in the wake of the Paris attacks pic.twitter.com/xMHfS6RXPu
— NYPD Special Ops (@NYPDSpecialops) November 14, 2015
The New York Police Department said that there are no known threats to New York City at the moment, but the increased police presence across the city will remain until they learn more.
No known threat to the city at this time, but until we learn more, we are deploying more police out of an abundance of caution.
According to the Associated Press, dozens of police cars were seen leaving Times Square as the NYPD deployed a “Critical Response Command” to strategic densely populated locations within the city. Officers, armed with heavy weapons, tactical equipment, radiation detectors and bomb-detecting equipment were spotted around New York, particularly in subway stations where random bag checks were conducted on commuters.
Underground in our subways & on our streets the NYPD is out there securing NYC today & every day #ItsWhatWeDo pic.twitter.com/GhdqVmSEle
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 15, 2015
John Miller, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism, said that the measures taken by the police are not indicative of the city experiencing a “wake-up call”, and that the city has been on alert and prepared for some time.
This is not the kind of thing that is a wakeup call to New York City. We’ve been awake about this for a long time.
CBS News quoted the NYPD as saying that police are stressing that despite the precautionary measures, there is “no indication that the attack has any nexus to New York City.”
Bill Bratton, the NYPD Commissioner, delivered a message to the police officers in regards to the Paris Attacks, saying:
All of you who wear the blue are the guardians who watch over this city, and, when necessary, the warriors who fight for her. Tonight, tomorrow, and in the days to come, be vigilant, be prepared, be aware. And, as ever, be safe.
Los Angeles police said they would increase the patrols for several upcoming events, including Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg concerts that are taking place over the weekend.
Other locations around the United States have been much more lax following the terrorist attack in Paris that left at least 127 dead. No visible increase in security was noted anywhere in downtown Chicago, nor at the busy Mall of America located in Minnesota.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ0EAkvKogM
