Security ramped up for Times Square New Year’s Eve bash
The estimated two million revelers expected to throng Times Square this New Year’s Eve will be subject to the tightest security measures for years.
New York police chief James O’Neill said no specific threats have been made but security is being ramped up after two terror attacks in the city this year and the mass shooting in Las Vegas still fresh in the memory.
He said there will be more bomb-sniffing dogs, more counter-sniper teams and more uniformed officers on the ground.
That includes a police presence at every hotel around Times Square.
"There’s a huge responsibility on all of us to keep New York safe. We understand why we are a target because of our success, terrorists want to disrupt us," said mayor Bill de Blasio.
Blocker vehicles will seal off Times Square and trucks will be restricted in the area.
Everyone will have to pass two separate checkpoints to get in to Times Square with screening and bag checks.
It is expected to be the coldest New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple for more than 50 years and the temperature could plummet to -10C by midnight.
Just weeks ago there was a failed suicide bombing at New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.
In October a truck deliberately mowed down people in Manhattan, killing eight.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also ordered extra security at transit hubs across New York state.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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