Americans and travelers planning to see the Times Square ball falling in person on New Year's Eve will be surrounded by tight security in the hours before and after the ringing in 2024, according to New York Governor Kathy Hochul . The New York State Police will intensify the number of employees and state soldiers, and the New York National Guard and other agencies will join to patrol some areas.
The move comes after the FBI and other federal agencies warned police departments across the country of potential threats to large crowds celebrating the holiday, including from individual actors motivated by the war between Israel and Hamas.
Public safety agencies are increasing security measures across the country ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations in the wake of the FBI alert. In Las Vegas, where hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather to celebrate the holiday, for example, the police said they had tightened security measures by mobilizing an anti-bomb squad, hazardous materials teams and using low-altitude helicopters.
In New York City, the city's Mayor, Eric Adams, said the city had not received any credible threats but was acting "out of extreme caution".
"Protecting events - no matter how big - is something we do better than any other city in the country," Adams wrote on the X-site . "However, as a matter of extreme caution, you will see a significant security presence on the ground and in the air during the celebrations to ensure that New Yorkers are able to celebrate safely," he said.
What security threats worry the federal authorities
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counterterrorism Center warned police agencies and the American public in their alert earlier this month about possible threats to safety during New Year's Eve gatherings. They cited the "ongoing tension between Israel and Hamas" and an increase in hate crimes across the country as the basis for the warning.
Violence that occurs in large crowds.
"Lone actors may seek to disrupt or escalate violence at large gatherings, high-profile events, symbolic or religious sites throughout the winter. Such gatherings can become a convenient target for those who inspire to commit violent acts against Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Arab communities. The FBI said in its advisory report .
"Although this announcement is not in response to any specific conspiratorial activity, these targets are likely to remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature,"the agency said.
FBI official Robert Kissan told CNN that" we have been in a very threatening environment " since October 7, when the war between Israel and Hamas began.
The agency encourages people to report any suspicions or prospects for public safety.
"We take all potential threats seriously and will work closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information and take appropriate investigative measures,"the warning said.
Cities across the U.S. and the world are stepping up security measures on New Year's Eve
The threat assessment obtained by ABC News said that new year's Eve in San Francisco "remains an attractive target for foreign terrorist organizations, domestic violent extremists, domestic violent extremists" as well as lone criminals.
The FBI office in San Francisco told USA TODAY that the document was "leaked" and refused to provide a copy. The agency sent a statement clarifying that such assessments are carried out regularly to coordinate and address potential threats.
"We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement authorities immediately,"the office said.
ABC reported that the document indicates that high-profile events with large crowds and media coverage such as the celebration of New Year's Eve can be an area of concern, but no specific threats have been reported.
Robert Ruika, a spokesman for the San Francisco Police Department, told USA TODAY newspaper that there will be a “large presence” of officers where celebrations are expected, along with employees at area stations. The administration is not aware of any credible or specific threats to the city, Ruika said.
The Las Vegas police expect the presence of almost 400 thousand people in the Strip to celebrate New Year's Eve. Despite the lack of credible threats, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Chief Andrew Walsh said authorities were taking no chances.
Boston city officials said that law enforcement authorities will be "heavily" present at New Year's Eve Activities in the city, including the first night in Boston . The event is expected to attract more than 200 thousand visitors to watch fireworks, carousel tours, improv performances and other activities.
Security concerns for new year's Eve celebrations outside the United States.
The head of internal intelligence Celine Berthon said that France will deploy 90 thousand law enforcement officers on new year's Eve, including 6,000 in Paris where more than 1.5 million people are expected to take part in the celebrations on the Champs Elysees.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said at a press conference that there was a “very high terrorist threat” due in part to “what is happening in Israel and Palestine,” referring to the war between Israel and Hamas. He added that the police will be able to use drones as part of security work for the first time, tens of thousands of firefighters and 5,000 soldiers will also be deployed.
