Governor Cuomo Announces Enhanced Security Measures In Advance Of The New York City Marathon
Albany, NY - November 3, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that additional security measures are being taken ahead of the New York City Marathon this weekend to enhance protection of more than 51,000 runners and over 2 million spectators expected to attend the event. At the Governor's direction, the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated with State OEM staff beginning Saturday morning and 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 are increasing security at high-profile locations in New York City, including airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems. These are precautionary measures in place for this high profile event.
"New Yorkers continue to mourn the eight lives that were lost tragically in Lower Manhattan this week, but we are resilient and we will not be deterred by this cowardly attack," Governor Cuomo said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are stepping up security measures at the Marathon with additional patrols and resources from an array of state law enforcement agencies. We have the finest security forces on the globe and they will remain vigilant throughout the weekend. The Marathon is an important New York tradition, and I look forward to a great race."
State Police & National Guard
The New York State Police continues to work with the NYPD, city and federal officials, and other state and local law enforcement partners, to enhance security in the New York City metropolitan area. At the Governor's direction, the State Police is doubling the number of Troopers working at posts throughout the city for the marathon this weekend, including at JFK and LaGuardia airports. This deployment includes additional canine teams, and members of the Bomb Disposal and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Units. The National Guard will also deploy additional resources and increase surveillance of large public gatherings and critical infrastructure including transportation hubs.
Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has been in contact with New York City Emergency Management in advance of this weekend's event, and Commissioner Roger Parrino is participating today in a pre-planning tabletop exercise. Also, the Office of Emergency Management's regional coordinator will staff the New York City Police Department's Joint Operations Center to ensure that federal, state and local resources are coordinated throughout the weekend. At 6 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated. OEM staff will increase and enhance monitoring operations of the marathon and other various large public gatherings. DHSES remains in a state of readiness and is prepared to disseminate information to our public safety partners statewide as necessary.
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
The Port Authority Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Sunday, November 5, beginning at 7 a.m. Port Authority officials will monitor activities during day and provide assistance as needed. Additionally, the Port Authority Police Department will be adding patrols and personnel, including roving patrols. Certain personnel will be equipped with heavy weapons and counter terrorism measures will be place at crossings and other Port Authority facilities.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The MTA Police Department will step 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. Additionally, MTA Police and MTA Bridge & Tunnels will deploy additional personnel in key locations along the marathon route. Special Operations Division, and Detective Division officers will be utilized as part of this deployment, as well as police canine teams and units with heavy weapons provide extra protection and 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.
In addition to mobilizing additional security, the state is working with the FBI and other agencies to assist victims of Tuesday's terrorist attack.
New York State Office of Victim Services
The FBI has established a Victim Resource Center in Lower Manhattan to help victims of the Oct. 31, 2017, terrorist attack in the Tribeca neighborhood. The New York State Office of Victim Services has staff on site at the Center to assist individuals who may be may be eligible for services. Victims and family members are not required to be residents of New York State to be eligible for help. The Office of Victim Services helps eligible individuals with crime-related compensation and expenses, including, but not limited to medical and counseling expenses; burial and funeral costs; occupational or vocational rehabilitation; lost or damage of essential personal property; and lost wages or support. For more information or help, find a victim assistance program, complete this form or call the agency: 1-800-247-8035.
"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 the See Something, Send Something app on your smartphone to inform authorities of a potential threat. Visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/see-something-send-something for more information.