In a significant turn of events, the federal government has decided to reinstate the previously reduced $187 million anti-terrorism funding for the state of New York, following strong backlash from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and direct appeal from Governor Hochu to the White House. This funding is crucial for maintaining New York’s counter-terrorism patrols, intelligence analysis, and operational equipment.
A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that the White House has rescinded the cuts and will continue to allocate funds to support anti-terrorism initiatives, including bomb disposal teams, patrols at sensitive locations such as religious sites, intelligence personnel, and radiation detection equipment.
Earlier this week, New York State, along with 11 other Democratic states, filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the funding cuts were politically motivated. Subsequently, a judge temporarily halted FEMA’s funding until the case is heard.
Governor Hochu stated that she immediately spoke with President Trump upon hearing the news, strongly expressing New York’s refusal to accept funding cuts.
In a statement, Hochu wrote, “I am pleased that the President has heeded our call to ensure that our state receives the resources necessary to maintain safety.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch had previously warned that the budget cuts would have a “devastating impact” on the NYPD’s counter-terrorism capabilities, leaving New Yorkers exposed to potential attack risks.
“Simply put, this decision affects our ability to prevent the next attack and puts the city at risk. Counter-terrorism funding should not be a political bargaining chip and should not be subject to party changes,” Tisch said.
She emphasized that since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, New York City has successfully thwarted over 70 terrorist attack plots.
It remains unclear whether this policy reversal includes another approximately $34 million in anti-terrorism funding earmarked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The cut to this funding has also been temporarily halted by a judge, but whether it will be reinstated is still pending further updates.