In the wake of the New Year's Eve terror attack that killed ten people in New Orleans, the NYPD is on high alert and has heightened its monitoring protocols. NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Rebecca Weiner, stated in a release that although there is no current evidence to suggest a threat to New York City, the force is "coordinating with federal and regional partners" to adequately track the investigations. This statement follows the attack where a man drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter, as per a report obtained by NY Daily News.
With New Year's Eve celebrations recently concluded and the city on high alert, New York officials are keen to ensure public safety. In a social post quoted by NBC New York, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated, "We have no indication that there are any credible threats to New Yorkers." She confirmed that the New York State Police are to remain on high alert to keep communities safe. This statement followed rigorous security measures briefed by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch prior to the New Year's Eve ball drop, as ereported by NBC New York, which included drones and counter-terrorism officers to better protect the gathering crowds.
President Biden labeled the New Orleans incident an act of terrorism and underscored the nation's urgency in confronting this threat. He assured that his administration would devote every necessary resource to aid in the quick and thorough investigation of the event. The President's commitment as relayed by the NY Daily News, was to identify the motives behind the tragedy and to mitigate any further risks.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the perpetrator's actions as calculated and malevolent. "It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could," Kirkpatrick told, as per NBC New York's reporting. The assailant was shot and killed following a shootout with police. In the violence, two officers were also wounded but are currently in stable condition, while the frenzied attack left an additional 33 people injured.
Security in both cities remains tight as the investigations into the New Orleans tragedy continue. With no definitive connection between the New York City and New Orleans incidents identified at this time, law enforcement persists in their diligent monitoring of situations and security measures across the country.
