Cities Boost Security for Fourth of July Celebrations

Cities Boost Security for Fourth of July Celebrations

In the wake of a foiled attack in Cleveland, police around the country are stepping up security for the Fourth.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jul 03, 2018

On Monday, July 2, the FBI announced they had foiled a planned attack on pedestrians celebrating the Fourth of July in Cleveland, Ohio. This announcement, plus the news that AAA is estimating 46.9 million Americans will be traveling to enjoy the holiday, has pushed police departments to announce their plans of security at some of the major soft targets in the country during Independence Day.

Boston. The City of Boston Police Commissioner William Evans and Mayor Marty Walsh say their focus on the Fourth of July is to keep the tens of thousands of people who are expected to flock to the Esplanade of Hatch Shell on Wednesday safe. Commissioner Evans told local news reporters that the police department has been planning the security of the celebration for quite some time and are taking a "layered approach" to securing those at the event.

The city will be using large capacity vehicles to block crowds from potential vehicle attacks as well as limiting the amount of access points to the celebration so that people can be checked and scanned before they enter the event.

New York City. The NYPD has stressed that there are no credible threats to the city on the Fourth of July at this time, but that they will continue to be alert in securing the city for the Independence Day celebrations.

NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill said there would be extra security for the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks. That includes 6,000 officers on duty and 100 sand trucks and other "blocker" vehicles to reduce the threat of vehicle attacks.

NYPD will be deploying their bomb squad, long gun teams and dogs that are trained to sniff out threats.

The city is expecting to see close to two million spectators along the East River for the fireworks display. Traffic closures around the event will begin around 3 p.m.

 

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.