Top Cop: NYPD vigilant after ISIS blog targets Times Square
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Police Commissioner William Bratton says the NYPD is remaining vigilant in the face of possible new terror threats against New York City.
An ISIS terror group blog has urged so-called lone wolf terrorists to target the Crossroads of the World along with detailed bomb-making instructions, though Bratton says there are no specific threats.
Officials say it is alarming, but there is always a heavy police presence in Times Square.
Bratton said ISIS is more of a threat than al-Qaida because of their effective use of social media to recruit followers.
In addition to Times Square, the web site called for attacks on the Las Vegas strip and mass transit.
"We are as prepared as any entity can be to deal with threats," Bratton said. "But the reality is that we are living in a newer era of potential terrorism."
The NYPD Bomb Squad detonated a device four years ago after a vendor alerted police. That incident was linked to a US citizen with ties to the Taliban.
NYPD officials say that New Yorkers will see more patrols and other signs of heightened security in Times Square, the subways and other spots during the upcoming Jewish holidays and United Nations General Assembly.
Bratton said the city and country are facing the most complex threat picture in recent years.
He told leaders of the Jewish community at the annual high holiday briefing that while there is no known threat, there is also no such thing as total security.
Bratton said New York City is "a plane ride away" for fighters with western passports and trained in Syria.
Bratton he is not worried about ISIS cells coming here, but is mainly concerned about the group's ability to inspire lone wolves.
Meanwhile, in Washington, the House Committee on Homeland Security is hearing from Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, FBI Director James Comey, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen.
"At present, we have no credible info that ISIL is planning to attack the homeland", Johnson said.
