As CBS 2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer reported, Cuomo’s decision to launch his own war on ISIS adds another layer of anti-terror measures to a metropolitan area that has been constantly on guard since Sept. 11, 2001.
“I think it’s safe to say, Marcia, that the state of the metro area will never have been as well-protected as it will be with this plan in operation,” Cuomo told Kramer.
Cuomo has directed the heads of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the New York State Police, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to increase security at sites including LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road stations.
As WCBS 880’s Rich Lamb reported, the “across the board” security crackdown comes amid heightened tensions with ISIS, or ISIL, in the Middle East.
Cuomo emphasized that New York City remains a prime target.
“While we have not received any credible threats, New York City is an international symbol of tolerance and resilience, and therefore continues to be a top target for terrorists,” Cuomo said in a news release. “With that in mind and in light increasing terrorist activity overseas, we are increasing security measures across the board at mass transit sites in the region. New Yorkers should rest assured knowing that public safety is our highest priority, and we will do whatever we need to do in order to keep our communities safe.”
A full security plan will be announced next week, along with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. But Cuomo said more National Guardsmen will be deployed as a precautionary measure.
