New York Times Adds Security Barriers

The barriers were added as part of the newspaper’s efforts to increase security amid heightened hostility toward the media.

• By Jessica Davis
• Oct 19, 2018

The New York Times building in Manhattan, New York, is now protected by concrete barriers provided by the New York Police Department. The barriers were added as part of the newspaper’s efforts to increase security amid heightened hostility toward the media.

In a staff memo Wednesday, the company said the barricades were requested by the newspaper and are temporary.

"This is not a response to any specific threat, nor does it mean that we believe that The Times is at greater risk than other New York companies and institutions," the company said in the memo. "The temporary barriers will remain in place as we explore a more permanent solution, e.g., adding bollards."

A really unfortunate sign of the times (lowercase T). In a way, @nytimes is an idea that’s bigger than any one person who works there. I’ve always felt it’s a place for all journalists. Security is necessary, but may the newsroom always feel welcome to all. https://t.co/aajCGCEdHr

— Theodore Kim (@TheoTypes) October 17, 2018

Newsrooms have been working to enhance security lately in light of increased threats against the media. On June 28, 2018, a mass shooting took place at the offices of Maryland newspaper The Capital, leaving five dead.

The NYPD public information office has not yet commented on the barriers. According to a Times spokesperson, “the barriers are part of our continuing efforts to enhance security at our headquarters building.”