NEW YORK — New York City is taking “every possible precaution” ahead of a series of commemorative events celebrating July 4 and the nation’s 250th birthday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Wednesday.
“Multiple major events” begin with the largest-ever international flotilla of Tall Ships and navy vessels, each of which will fire a 21-gun salute.
“Bring earplugs,” Mamdani said.
The NYPD is increasing its deployment of uniformed officers.
“You can expect to see a large police presence on our waterfronts,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to view the parades of ships on July 3 and July 4. All will be screened at designated entrances. No backpacks, coolers, umbrellas, or drones are allowed.
Hundreds of thousands are also expected to gather Saturday night for the fireworks, with similar screening and limitations in place.
“Conflicts overseas have resulted in a spate of terrorism and targeted violence around the world as well as attacks and attempted attacks here in the United States,” Tisch said. “But I want to emphasize that there are no specific or credible threats to this year’s celebrations.”
NYPD officers will be working 12-hour tours.
Drone prohibitions are in effect. Since June 13, the NYPD and FBI have interdicted 97 drones in and around the FIFA World Cup. Police described them as hobbyist-type drones with no special or worrying technology, but an example of the sheer number that are in circulation.
The NYPD will have a detail in place at Madison Square Garden for an event on Friday night. Tisch declined to say what that event might be.
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