On Thursday, September 17, New York City Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch held a joint press conference to announce the security measures for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week. They stated that security levels will be heightened, but there are currently no credible threats against the United Nations or New York City.
The UN General Assembly will take place from September 21 to 25 at the United Nations Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. During this time, presidents, prime ministers, and diplomats from 200 countries around the world will gather in New York for the meeting.
Mayor Mamdani, speaking at the press conference at the New York Police Department headquarters, expressed that having hundreds of heads of state gathered in New York is a “great honor” for the city, but it also presents security challenges. He emphasized that there are currently no credible threats to the city.
“We know that New York City has always been a target for attacks, especially when thousands of international representatives gather together. That’s why in the past few months, the city government and the NYPD have been closely cooperating with federal partners to prepare for this event,” he said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we will be increasing security levels. This is standard procedure.”
Commissioner Tisch outlined the security deployment for the upcoming week in New York City.
“This is one of the most complex security operations we have ever carried out,” she said. “This week, thousands of uniformed NYPD officers will be deployed in and around the United Nations Headquarters, supported by heavy weapons teams, aviation and harbor units, bomb squad teams, the NYPD drone unit, counter-terrorism officers, and other specialized units.”
The Commissioner also stressed that aside from the no-fly zone for drones within a two-and-a-half-mile radius of the UN headquarters, the police department wants to remind protesters of a few things. “Every year during the United Nations General Assembly, we see an increase in demonstrations and protests. This year will be no different. As in previous years, the NYPD will protect people’s exercise of their rights under the First Amendment of the Constitution, but any acts of violence or property damage will not be tolerated.”
In terms of transportation, several streets will be closed from September 20 to 26: the section of First Avenue from 41st Street to 48th Street will be closed; the area between 44th Street and 47th Street (First Avenue to Second Avenue) will be closed daily; around 9 p.m. each night, the section of 42nd Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue will be closed, as well as the exit from 42nd Street on the FDR; vehicles needing to access Tudor City near the UN can do so via 41st Street and 43rd Street.
The New York City Department of Transportation has advised drivers to be prepared for extensive road closures and traffic delays in Manhattan. Mayor Mamdani urged citizens to use bicycles or public transportation as much as possible during the UN General Assembly.