“We are aware of the newly-released ISIS video that mentions Times Square”. In the video, a terrorist is shown preparing a suicide belt, intercut with scenes of New York’s iconic Times Square, after which the “bomber” pulls the pin.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation released a statement echoing that “there is no specific articulable threat to the city at this time” and that the Joint Terrorism Task Force “continues to vigilantly work with NYPD and our other law enforcement partners to keep our community safe and fully investigate any threat information”. Officials noted there is no specific threat against any specific location in NY City, which since the 2001 terrorist attacks has developed extensive programs to investigate and respond to terrorist threats against the city.
“Stoking fear is the goal of terrorist organizations, but NY City will not be intimidated”, he said.
“We will not submit to their wishes”, de Blasio vowed.
That is followed by an image of Times Square in NY City.
NY Police Commissioner William Bratton said at a late-night press conference that the video is “a mish-mosh” of old Islamic State propaganda videos and that there is no blatant new threat. “This is ISIS doing what ISIS and al-Qaida and terrorist groups do, which is propaganda”.
Earlier in the week, ISIS released another video that threatened Washington. “It’s crucial that people go about their normal business recognizing the NYPD is providing extraordinary protection for the people of this city”.
Ray Corpuz from Wellington, New Zealand added, “You can’t help but to have fear, but we shouldn’t really be scared because if we are scared we are letting them win”.
Mayor de Blasio also spoke of a new unit in the NY police force dedicated to counter-terrorism.
Police said travelers and commuters can expect to see an increased police presence at all mass transit hubs, including Hartford’s Union Station where buses headed to NY City on Thursday.
De Blasio said NY City has installed new measures to address the recent threat. “I want more protections, but I don’t want them to infringe upon me”.
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The Islamic State considers the United States its top enemy and frequently threatens attacks against American targets.
