N.Y. Steps up Security, No Specific Terror Threat

New York is starting to deploy National Guard troops and additional police to beef up security at major transit points and other locations in response to a heightened threat of terrorism.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, accompanied by state lawmakers, said Friday that the stepped-up security is already underway and likely to last months, but it isn’t in response to any specific threat.

“It’s also undeniable New York is a possible target of a terrorist attack, either in retaliation for actions this country may be taking or as an offensive gesture,” he said. “Our responsibility is to make sure we’re doing everything that is prudent to be ready, to be prepared and to anticipate.”

The Port Authority and MTA will be involved, with strengthened security at airports, trains and terminals, as well as police in New York City and the greater metropolitan area, Cuomo said.

He said the increased security will be visible, with hundreds of additional personnel deployed, and it will cost the state tens of millions of dollars in the short term.

“The issue of money is really irrelevant,” said Sen. Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican and co-leader of the state Senate. He said there’s no question there are groups that want to hurt and kill people in New York.

“New Yorkers know this great international city is a top target for terrorists,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat. “The 9/11 attacks taught us painful lessons of the need for vigilance.”

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the September 22nd, 2014 edition of Hamodia.