In a new video, ISIS threatens suicide bombings in New York’s Times Square. The images show what appears to be an explosive device that is then zipped inside someone’s leather jacket followed by shots of Times Square.
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The NY City Police Department said in a statement that it was aware of the video and was deploying additional members of its new anti-terrorism squad out of an abundance of caution. “This is ISIS doing what ISIS and al Qaeda and terrorist groups do, which is propaganda”.
The authenticity of the video has not been verified and NY officials have said there are not any specific threats against the city. “We will not submit to their wishes”, de Blasio told reporters beneath Times Square’s bright lights.
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Nearly immediately after release of the video, which juxtaposes footage of the city, including Times Square with scenes of terrorists crafting bombs, Mayor Bill de Blasio held a news conference at the tourist spot to reassure New Yorkers.
It comes days after the real attacks on Paris and a warning USA capital Washington DC is the terror network’s next target. New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio tried to calm down the population and suggested New Yorkers to not change their everyday habits.
“Remember that the terrorists’ goal is to let fear win – New Yorkers never have, and we never will”, he said. “So while NYC is, and has been, a target for ISIS, today’s video does not warrant any kind of panic”, SITE director Rita Katz said in an email to Reuters.
“No city is better prepared to protect against terrorist attack”, Bratton said.
The city where vigilance has never slept since the day the Twin Towers fell is talking tough after ISIS made a threat against them.
A video targeting NY was also produced by IS in April, according to NYPD deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism John Miller. “Be aware but don’t be afraid”.
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“Just in this last week, we’ve initiated the first wave of our new Critical Response Command, which will grow to 500 officers specifically dedicated to anti-terrorism activities”, he said. “The NYPD, working in close, close cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and our other government parties, and with the great, great assistance of the residents of this great city, that we will keep it safe”, Bratton said.
