Security increased in NY following Brussels attacks
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Authorities are increasing security throughout New York City and Long Island following explosions at the airport and subway system in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
The NYPD is increasing visible presence of officers on the streets and in the subway system across the city's five boroughs. The Port Authority Police Department is stepping up security at its three major airports. It's also employing high visibility anti-terrorist patrols throughout the PATH system and the World Trade Center site.
Dozens of people were killed and many others were injured in the Brussels explosions.
"There is no specific or credible threat to New York City," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Speaking during a news conference about the Brussels attacks, de Blasio said New York City would not cower in fear.
"Terrorists try to use death as their tool. We answer them with life and a strong and vibrant city," said de Blasio.
Earlier in the day, the NYPD issued a statement about the events unfolding in Belgium.
"The New York City Police Department is closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and is in close contact with our international partners and with the FBI. Until we learn more, the department has deployed additional counterterrorism resources across the city including: the Counterterrorism Response Command (CRC), the Strategic Response Group (SRG), and Hercules Teams. These teams have been deployed to crowded areas and transit locations around the city out of an abundance of caution to provide police presence and public reassurance as we closely follow the developing situation overseas.
At this time, there is no known indication that the attack has any nexus to New York City. We will continue to follow the situation in Belgium closely with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI and adjust the department's deployments accordingly."
On Long Island, the local government of Nassau County also issued a statement, saying: "Although there are no known imminent threats to Nassau County, police are monitoring these attacks along with federal, state, and local authorities. Nassau County Police are intensifying patrols in all areas of mass transit, critical infrastructure, and will increase patrols at significant public events."
It went on to say: "The public is reminded if they see any suspicious activity to contact 911 immediately. Suspicious social media activity can also be reported through Text-a-Tip via the Nassau County Crime Stoppers app available free for smartphones and tablets."
The Brussels prosecutor's office is calling the explosions terror attacks. They came just days after the main suspect in the November Paris attacks was arrested in Brussels. After his arrest, Salah Abdeslam told authorities he had created a new network and was planning new attacks.
With the Associated Press