Governor Kathy Hochul announced significant achievements in New York State’s counterterrorism preparedness for 2024, including the completion of over 900 joint training exercises and the assessment of more than 200 mass gathering locations such as stadiums, transportation hubs, and college campuses.
The statewide initiative, led by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ (DHSES) Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT) in collaboration with the New York State Police, aims to enhance vigilance, improve coordination among law enforcement agencies, and strengthen public awareness around suspicious activity reporting.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and in order to do that, we must always be prepared to act when disaster strikes,” Governor Hochul said. “With these security training exercises and assessments conducted in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement, we are ensuring first responders have the knowledge and resources they need to protect their communities.”
In 2024, teams of counterterrorism experts from more than 80 federal, state, local, and tribal agencies conducted exercises across New York’s 16 counterterrorism zones. These assessments included over 700 businesses and retailers, focusing on locations that sell chemicals, rent trucks, or provide services that could potentially be exploited.
Significantly, 36 truck rental sites were evaluated this year, adding to a total of more than 600 sites assessed since 2016. Additionally, more than 200 mass gathering venues, including airports, malls, stadiums, and transit hubs, underwent security reviews — 58% of which had not been assessed in prior years.
Governor Hochul also announced funding for 12 new investigators and two commissioned officers to strengthen New York’s presence on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in cities including New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Plattsburgh. The New York State Intelligence Center also received funding to add social media intelligence and counterterrorism analysts.
The Operation NY-SECURE initiative, aimed at securing Amtrak routes and MTA commuter lines, completed 66 security operations in 2024. These unannounced details included platform patrols, security sweeps, and counter-surveillance measures, enhancing coordination between railroad police and local law enforcement.
Since its inception in 2018, Operation NY-SECURE has carried out over 500 operations statewide and will continue its efforts into 2025.
The state also emphasized public vigilance through the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. New Yorkers are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697) or using the See Something, Say Something app.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James highlighted the importance of public and business engagement. “Educating businesses and the public on how to spot suspicious activity and notify law enforcement is critical for terrorism prevention,” James said.
Governor Hochul also underscored the state’s ongoing focus on preventing domestic terrorism. Following the tragic 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, the state launched the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit (DTPU). This unit now supports 47 multi-disciplinary Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams across counties and New York City, with more teams in development.
The TAM network, which includes over 800 stakeholders from law enforcement, mental health services, and schools, has grown by 25% since 2023.
“We work closely with our local government and law enforcement partners year-round, conducting security trainings to prepare for potential acts of terrorism,” said DHSES Commissioner Jackie Bray. “These efforts are crucial in keeping our communities safe.”
As counterterrorism initiatives continue into 2025, state officials urge the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and actively participate in safeguarding New York’s communities.
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