United States: Heightened security for New Year’s Eve

Event

Officials in several US cities are planning to implement heightened security measures in advance of New Year's Eve celebrations on Sunday, December 31. Among the cities planning to most significantly tighten security around the celebrations are New York City and Las Vegas. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is planning to dispatch sand-filled trucks and other blocker vehicles to obstruct streets in the vicinity of the celebrations in Times Square, and to deploy uniformed and plainclothes officers near the event. Police will also close nearby parking garages and closely monitor rental trucks near the event. The weather is expected to be cold in New York City during the celebrations, with a forecast low temperature of -13°C (9°F) on Sunday. Similarly cold temperatures are expected through most of the mid-western and northeastern US on December 31.

In Las Vegas, roughly 1500 police officers will be deployed along the Las Vegas Strip to provide security for New Year's Eve celebrations; roughly 350,000 people are expected to related events. Snipers, additional medical staff and supplies, extra air support, at least 20 armed vehicles, and support from federal officers in mobile command posts will also be arrayed throughout the area to augment security during the festivities. Backpacks, strollers, and glass bottles are prohibited from the Strip during the celebrations, and unsupervised minors are barred from the area after 21:00 (local time).

Associated traffic disruptions are expected in New York City, Las Vegas, and other American cities during the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31.

Context

The additional security measures in New York City and Las Vegas come after both cities witnessed deadly attacks within the past few months. New York City endured two terror attacks in recent months: a car ramming attack on October 31 killed eight people and wounded 11 others. On December 11, a pipe bomb attack left five people wounded at New York City's Port Authority subway station.

On October 1, a mass shooting in Las Vegas left 58 people dead and 546 others wounded, marking the most deadly mass shooting committed by a single individual in American history.

Advice

Individuals in New York City, Las Vegas, and other American cities are advised to remain vigilant during New Year's Eve celebrations, report any suspicious behavior to relevant authorities, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.