New York City is bolstering its police presence in response to Hamas leadership’s call for a “global day of Jihad” on Friday.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) issued a statement emphasizing the absence of specific credible threats but acknowledged online postings that have raised concerns.
NEW: A Jewish school in Queens New York is closing on Friday after former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal called for a global day of jihad.
In response to Palestinian aggression, *all* New York City Police officers have been told to report for duty in uniform on Friday.
The NYPD… pic.twitter.com/KAd4ZbDEYJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 12, 2023
As a precautionary measure, the NYPD has increased the deployment of uniformed officers at large gatherings and cultural sites, Fox News reports.
🚨 With the Day of Jihad approaching, more than 5,000 people walked down the streets of New York praying and singing 🙏🏼
Don’t be mistaken — this is a spiritual war just as much as it is a physical one!!
Love to see people coming together to pray and declare peace over all… pic.twitter.com/laf5JQMVNi
— TONY™️ (@TONYxTWO) October 13, 2023
In a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that while there is no specific threat, the city is aware of planned protests on Friday and Hamas’s global call to action.
In the wake of the barbaric attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel and the messages of hate and violence across the world, I want every New Yorker, especially our Jewish community, to know:
There are currently no credible or specific threats against our city. pic.twitter.com/752HxOF103
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 12, 2023
Hochul activated the state’s Homeland Security, Counter Terrorism Unit, Hate Crimes Task Force, and State Police, with the readiness to deploy the National Guard if needed.
National Guard members will patrol mass transit areas in conjunction with the MTA.
The NYPD is urging New Yorkers to be vigilant, with officers ready to ensure public safety and respond to any potential threats. The NYPD Chief of Patrol, John Cell, stated that every member of the department will be in uniform on Friday to keep the peace and reiterated that the NYPD will not tolerate violence.
Security measures are being heightened in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Capitol Police enhancing security throughout the Capitol Complex. Officials are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and intelligence organizations across the country to ensure safety.
Law enforcement agencies in other major U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles, have issued statements of reassurance and vigilance.
The FBI is monitoring the situation, emphasizing its commitment to investigating and disrupting any potential threats and encouraging the public to report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement. While there are no specific threats, authorities are taking these measures out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of citizens.
