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

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. 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

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.