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3h ago

New York and San Francisco Ramp Up July 4 Security Over Lone-Wolf Threat Alerts

Joint FBI-DHS bulletins warning of homegrown extremist risks led to flight restrictions plus extra officers for July 4 events in Manhattan.

The seal on the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building is seen June 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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Paul Ringsted was quite surprised when he saw that he had managed to capture the moment a plane came into land at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC just in front of the fireworks display. "I was amazed that I had captured the plane just at the right moment - we had been talking on the roof about the planes coming across the fireworks and how close they must have been, I had no idea I had this shot until I looked through the photos afterwards, " says Mr Ringsted who is originally from the UK but has lived in the U.S. for 16 years. To him the most special thing about Fourth of July is seeing America come together to celebrate its history.

Overview

  • FBI and DHS bulletins issued June 23 identify lone-wolf actors and homegrown extremists as the principal terrorism threat to Independence Day celebrations in New York City and San Francisco.
  • Authorities caution that copycat attacks inspired by recent U.S. incidents and foreign terrorist messaging could motivate individuals with personal, political or ideological grievances.
  • The bulletins highlight potential tactics such as vehicle rammings, improvised hazardous materials and unauthorized drone operations at large gatherings.
  • New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Gov. Kathy Hochul confirm there are no specific credible threats but report thousands of additional officers, flight restrictions and road closures to secure Manhattan’s fireworks events.
  • San Francisco law enforcement remains on alert, monitoring unmanned aircraft systems and coordinating security measures across land, sea and air despite the absence of any targeted threat.