NYPD deploying extra patrols near synagogues for High Holy Days, Oct. 7 anniversary

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024 9:20PM
NYPD increases security at NYC synagogues during the jewish high holidays
Tanya Rivero has the latest on NYPD security measures ahead of Jewish holidays.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The nation's largest police force is deploying extra patrols near synagogues, heavy weapons teams and K-9 units as Jews mark the new year beginning at sundown Wednesday evening.

Mayor Eric Adams joined NYPD top brass and Jewish leaders to reassure New Yorkers on Wednesday afternoon.

"We got this," Adams said. "This city is under watch."

There will be cameras trained on an additional 50 locations identified by the NYPD as sensitive, Chief John Chell said.

The looming anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the Iranian missile strike on Israel make the already heightened threat environment "ratcheted up even further," deputy police commissioner Rebecca Weiner said, adding no credible threats have been identified.

New Yorkers may see more heavily armed Hercules teams of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit and uniformed officers in marked police vehicles at Jewish institutions, synagogues, foreign consulates and public places like Times Square and Central Park.

"Canine teams will be sweeping sensitive locations each day, and our aviation units will be increasing aerial patrols," Weiner said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul, at her own news conference, said she attended a "confidential intelligence briefing with the mayor of New York City, with his head of counterintelligence as well, making sure that our teams are closely aligned and working together."

"I have directed our State Police Superintendent James to increase state police patrols at risk areas, synagogues, yeshivas, community centers, mosques," Hochul said. "You'll also see increased law enforcement presence at all critical infrastructure hubs, including major transit centers."

Hochul said she has spoken to college campuses to make sure they have a "safety and security plan that we have reviewed and signed off on."

"Yes, students have a First Amendment right to protest, they also have a right to gather and celebrate the holidays without fear of harassment," Hochul said.

Adams said while the city respects and protects people's right to peaceful protest, "there will be a zero tolerance for those who violate the law."

Hate crimes against Jews represent 56% of all hate crimes in the last year. Most of them involve graffiti or aggravated assaults. There were 22 instances of violence.

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