(The Center Square) – The state of New York and New York City law enforcement departments are on heightened alert Friday in response to a call for a “day of jihad” from a former Hamas leader.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, respectively, held a press conference Thursday to address the security concerns, reassuring New Yorkers of increased security presence around “sensitive locations.” Hochul added that the National Guard is on standby. The governor emphasized there are no “active threats” in New York.
Many New Yorkers, especially in the Jewish community, are on edge following former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal’s call for a “day of rage” and “day of jihad” around the world Friday, instructing Muslims around the world “to take to the streets” in protest of Israel’s response.
“The NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau deploys a wide array of resources to protect the city based on events unfolding here and around the world,” a spokesman for the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commission of Public Information told The Center Square. “This includes high-visibility resources like the Critical Response Command and Counterterrorism officers, as well as our Intelligence Division personnel.”
The Police Department issued an alert reassuring leery New Yorkers of increased presence, including at large gatherings while reiterating the move is “out of an abundance of caution.”
“The NYPD has planned enhanced protective deployments out of an abundance of caution at large gatherings, cultural sites, and houses of worship among other locations to ensure public safety and security,” the alert stated.
New York has been on heightened alert following the attacks in Israel and subsequent anti-Israeli protests leading to clashes earlier this week. In response to the events, Hochul increased security around Jewish sites, including synagogues and schools.
Adams expressed concern regarding the rise in hateful rhetoric and calls for violence around the area and the world – with New York having one of the largest Jewish populations in the Western world.
“We are deeply disturbed by the message of hate urging violence in our communities in this region and around the world. It is not acceptable,” said Adams.
