As the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) gears up for its peak next week in New York City, the municipal and federal law enforcement agencies have initiated a top-level multi-layered security operation to ensure the safety of over 200 world leaders, heads of governments, and tens of thousands of visitors. The city government has warned that there will be extensive road closures around the UN headquarters next week and advises the public to use public transportation like the subway as much as possible for commuting in Manhattan.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated on September 18 that despite there being no “specific or credible threats” at present, the city remains on high alert. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is closely collaborating with various federal security agencies such as the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security, mobilizing thousands of officers, police dogs, helicopters, port patrol units, and drones. The city government also urges citizens to cooperate with security checks and to “report immediately if they see anything suspicious.”
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Counterterrorism and Intelligence Rebecca Weiner pointed out that recent incidents of political violence along with global conflicts have heightened the possibility of threats potentially “erupting anytime, anywhere, and in a comprehensive manner.” Police have deployed water patrols in the East River and concentrated hundreds of armored transport vehicles in Brooklyn warehouses to meet the security needs of large foreign convoys.
Mayor Adams emphasized that as the host city of the United Nations General Assembly, New York City must ensure that world leaders can engage in discussions on global issues in an atmosphere of peace. He is scheduled to meet with several leaders during the assembly, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As heads of states and delegations from various countries arrive, the police remind that there will be extensive traffic controls around Midtown Manhattan. The closure measures will start on September 21 (Sunday) and continue until the 27th (Saturday), including:
(1) Full closure of 42nd to 48th Street on First Avenue; (2) Daily closures on 44th to 48th Street from First Avenue to Second Avenue; (3) Periodic vehicle restrictions on the FDR Drive; (4) Northbound vehicles and bicycles must reroute to the First Avenue Tunnel; (5) Temporary no-fly zone around the UN headquarters, strictly prohibiting drone flights, with violators facing possible confiscation of equipment or criminal charges.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described this operation as “one of the most complex security missions of the year” and urged residents to use the subway and public transportation while allowing for extra time.
This session of the United Nations General Assembly coincides with heightened international tensions and the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), posing additional challenges to security. The police have stepped up surveillance at Jewish synagogues and other religious sites and deployed heavily armed units.
Moreover, with frequent incidents of political violence in the United States, including the recent stabbing incident involving conservative figure Charlie Kirk in Utah, officials are paying more attention to the potential risks faced by public figures.
Tisch stated that the police will ensure that protest activities are conducted within legal bounds but will “not tolerate actions that disrupt order or threaten security.”