Police warned that “heightened vigilance” is necessary during this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, according to an internal NYPD memo obtained by The Post Tuesday — as pro-Palestinian protesters announced they planned to “flood” the iconic event in support of Gaza. .
The memo states that there are no “specific or credible” threats targeting the world-renowned annual event – which is expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers to Midtown on Wednesday.
But the threat assessment notice suggests that large gatherings and high-profile events like the party – hosted this year by singer Kelly Clarkson – could be easy targets for “malicious actors” looking to do harm during the holiday season.
Since the bloody October 7 attack launched by Hamas on Israel, “various foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) have continuously called for widespread attacks against US interests,” the NYPD said in the memo.
While the propaganda alone is not a credible cause for alarm, the “incitement” may “resonate” with “local US-based violent extremists” and “mobilize some to action, requiring heightened vigilance” during the holiday season, it warned. .
Tree lightings and similar holiday events can be easy targets for “malicious actors,” the memo said. AP
The notice came as the Palestinian-led community organization Within Our Lifetime — responsible for several recent demonstrations in the city — announced its plans to disrupt the tree-lighting festival.
The organization encouraged its supporters to “Flood tree lights for Gaza,” noting that this year’s ceremony falls on the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
“Locally violent extremists” could be mobilized into action during the holiday season, the memo said. AP
“This year, the 13 official churches of Jerusalem + Bethlehem Municipality itself have called for the postponement of Christmas celebrations in mourning for the ongoing massacre in Gaza,” the group captioned an Instagram post featuring a protest leaflet.
“Join the interfaith group as we honor the call from Christians in Palestine to spend this holiday season opposing the genocide of Palestinians committed in our name with our tax dollars,” he said.
The majestic evergreen, 80 feet tall, 43 feet wide, will be lit for the first time during a ceremony scheduled to take place from 8 to 10 p.m. in Rockefeller Plaza — marking the start of the holiday season in the Big Apple.
The tree lighting came less than a week after police said 34 pro-Palestinian protesters were busted for disrupting the high-profile Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — an incident the NYPD noted in its new memo.
The NYPD memo was released as a pro-Palestinian organization announced plans to “flood tree lighting for Gaza.” wolpalestin/ Instagram
Four people were arrested and charged with offenses including obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct, trespassing, harassment and resisting arrest, according to the NYPD.
The other 30 – whose names have not been released – have been issued summonses to appear in criminal court, police said.
The most dramatic display of anti-Israel protesters was when they stuck their hands in the middle of 6th Avenue and covered themselves in fake blood, briefly stopping the 97th annual march.
A Brooklyn cop told The Post Tuesday that officers “need to enforce the law” if troublemakers disrupt the family-friendly tree lighting in the same way.
The tree lighting comes less than a week after pro-Palestinian protesters stopped the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Deccio Serrano/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
“This is a family event with children,” the source said. “They shouldn’t be afraid.”
The memo also notes that “ideologically unrelated bad actors” also tend to strike during the holidays – pointing to the lone arsonist who allegedly set fire to a Christmas tree outside the News Corp building that houses Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post offices in December 2021.
The firebug, identified as Craig Tamanaha, used a lighter and possibly an accelerant to cause about $500,000 in property damage to the artificial tree, which sits off a heavily guarded, tourist-packed corner near Rockefeller Center, police sources said at the time. that.
He was charged after a trial because his charges were ineligible for bail under the new criminal reform law.
The NYPD issued a similar memo calling for vigilance ahead of the annual Halloween parade in the West Village.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
