Following yesterday’s release of a purported ISIS video threatening another terrorist attack on the city, both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday said while the video itself appears old the city remains on full alert.
“I want every New Yorker to know that their security is our absolute highest priority. The video released by ISIS today contains old footage of New York, and there is no specific terrorist threat to New York at this time,” said Cuomo.
“After the Paris attacks, I directed state agencies to enhance their preparedness out of an abundance of caution and remain in close contact with local and federal authorities, including the FBI and NYPD through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and that vigilance continues today. I encourage all New Yorkers to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, while at the same time not letting this disrupt their daily lives. Remember that the terrorists’ goal is to let fear win – New Yorkers never have, and we never will.”
Cuomo said that the federal Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services is in constant contact with all the city and state agencies including the city and state police, the National Guard, the MTA and Port Authority officials, and all have increased monitoring of all the various large public gathering spots and various sporting venues as precautions.
De Blasio said stoking fear is the goal of terrorist organizations, but New York City will not be intimidated.
“The NYPD is the most capable police force in the country, with a robust counterterrorism operation that was just strengthened with an investment of 500 additional officers. While Times Square and Herald Square appear in the video, the NYPD in conjunction with all of our partners are taking all necessary security precautions in these areas and areas across the City. New Yorkers won’t live in fear and people should continue to go to work, live their lives, and enjoy the greatest city in the world,” said de Blasio.
Both Cuomo and de Blasio reminded city residents of the often heard refrain, “If you see something, say something.” They also reminded residents to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697); or by email:ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.
Meanwhile, Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement backing President Obama in slamming attempts by the governors in more than 30 states to prevent the resettlement of families and children who are refugees from Syria. The refugees are fleeing racial, religious, and political persecution.
“Syria remains in crisis, with more than two-thirds of its people displaced from their homes and warfare continuing to tear apart families. An estimated 250,000 people have been killed since the start of the Syrian Civil War and another 130,000 people have been captured or remain missing, according to a report from the United Nations. In this time of crisis, we have a responsibility to work with the community of nations to protect the refugees who are now threatened because of their race, their religion, or their political convictions,” said Clarke.
“President Obama has developed a reasonable plan to allow the resettlement of 10,000 Syrians in the United States. I am therefore deeply appalled that some state governors are trying to prevent the resettlement of Syrian refugees under the false assumption that people of a particular race or nationality or religion are inherently dangerous. This assumption violates our a basic principle of our nation: that the rights of each individual are entitled to respect.”
Clarke noted the U.S. already has a highly secure process for admitting refugees. To enter the United States, refugees are thoroughly investigated: the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of State provide information on each applicant for refugee status, she said.
“Useless changes to that process would only prevent qualified refugees from entering the United States and could undermine a system that maintains our national security. In the best of our traditions, the United States has welcomed individuals from around the world who had been persecuted and wanted freedom..”
But Republican Southwest Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan backed legislation to halt entry of Syrian refugees into the United States while the federal government audits security and background check protocols.
“The world changed on November 13. We must not be naïve about the risk of radical Islamic terror in the United States. American security must be our top priority. I ask that the Speaker bring this legislation to the floor as expeditiously as possible. In light of the Paris attacks, there can be no further delay,” said Donovan.
The Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act would require affirmative approval by the House and Senate before any refugees are admitted to the United States. It would also permit Congress to block any inadequate refugee resettlement plan put forward by Obama. Further, the bill would require the Administration, when considering the admission of refugees from Iraq and Syria, to prioritize the resettlement of oppressed religious minorities. Lastly, it instructs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a sweeping review of security gaps in the current refugee screening process.
“America has always been a compassionate nation, but our country’s security comes first. The solution to the refugee crisis lies in ridding the world of ISIS and its followers – no refugee program will solve that,” said Donovan.
