New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio safety weekend
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday via sources that “there are not credible and specific threats” posed to the New York City Marathon as officials prepare for the race in the wake of a terrorist attack in lower Manhattan.
“There is an extensive amount of effort being made and additional resources being used to keep everyone safe,” de Blasio said at a news conference. “I want to once again assure all New Yorkers there are no credible and specific threats against the marathon or against New York City.”
More than 51,000 runners are expected to participate in the marathon on Sunday, with another 2.5 million people expected to turn out to watch the race.
Law enforcement officials have taken extra security precautions for the marathon in recent days after a motorist drove a rented truck onto a crowded bike path in lower Manhattan, just blocks away from the site of the World Trade Center.
That attack, which law enforcement officials say was carried out “in the name of ISIS,” killed eight people and injured 11 others. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov.
Saipov, an Uzbekistan national with permanent resident status in the U.S., was shot by police at the scene of the attack and taken into custody. Federal prosecutors have charged him with providing material support to a terrorist group and violence and destruction of a motor vehicle with willful disregard for human life.
Law enforcement officials have taken security precautions in recent days in preparation for the marathon, including deploying additional sand trucks and “blocker vehicles” to shield crowds from potential attacks. The number of rooftop observers has also been increased for the Sunday race, and counter-sniper teams will be stationed throughout the city.
