Police officers stand guard on a street close to Times Square in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations.
The measures include increased staffing in collaboration with the State Police, the New York National Guard, and other agencies and enhanced security at airports, bridges, tunnels, and public transportation systems.
"As we gather in New York City to celebrate the start of a new year, I've directed our State agencies to take all necessary steps to ensure that New Yorkers and visitors can celebrate safely and peacefully," Hochul said in a statement. "Public safety is my top priority, and I am committed to using every tool at our disposal to keep you safe."
To prevent potential terrorist attacks, New York State Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT) has assessed more than 200 infrastructure places where people congregate, including malls, universities, airports and more.
The announcement especially underlined out that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), responsible for public transit in New York City, has stepped up patrols and surveillance to bolster security.
In the past week, there have been several crimes in New York City's subway system, including a man who set fire to a sleeping female passenger and a brawl during a robbery attempt that left one man dead. The series of incidents raised more concerns about public transportation safety in the city.
Hochul urged people to be safe and mindful of their surroundings when attending public events during the holiday, according to the announcement.
Large-scale celebrations are scheduled in New York City on Tuesday with a large number of tourists and visitors pouring into the city. ■
U.S. homeland security officials work outside a subway entrance in Times Square in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
Police officers stand guard in Times Square in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
Police officers stand guard in Times Square in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
Police officers stand guard at a crossing in Times Square in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
A police officer stands guard on a street in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
A police officer stands guard on a street in New York City, the United States, on Dec. 31, 2024. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
