The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is deploying its largest number of officers to a planned event in the city’s history for the Knicks’ championship parade. More than 10,000 officers will be assigned to the ticker-tape victory parade, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Security Concerns

The deployment is nearly as large as one-third of the total uniformed force and exceeds the number of officers deployed at prior major events, including New Year’s Eve in Times Square and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Police have implemented an elevated security operation in response to the heightened threat environment, where lone wolf attacks against the parade and associated events continue to be the primary threat.

Social media postings reviewed by intelligence officials show isolated instances of hostility toward the Knicks organization and New York City since the beginning of the playoffs and through the NBA Finals. The assessment warns law enforcement that violent extremist attackers could target areas outside of the parade’s main viewing area, such as nearby plazas, transportation hubs, bars, and restaurants.

Preparations

The massive security operation will include heavy weapons teams, K9 units, explosive detection, transportation, transit, and highway units at the parade, while intelligence and counterterrorism teams will be out in full force. Spectators to the parade will be screened starting at 6 a.m. at 23 locations along the parade route.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city has been working with the NYPD to prepare for celebrations, telling CNN: ‘So often this city unites in moments of tragedy and to unite in a moment of joy, it can’t really be explained.’ Following the parade, Mamdani will host a championship ceremony at City Hall where the team will receive Keys to the City.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.