New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said officials are “deeply disturbed” by calls for violence in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israel but maintained that there is “no credible” threat to the city at this time.
“We know the entire world is horrified by the attacks the terrorist organization Hamas has made on our brothers and sisters in Israel,” Adams said at a security briefing Thursday. “And we are deeply disturbed by the message of hate urging violence in other communities in this region and around the world.”
“It is not acceptable. I want every New Yorker, especially Jewish New Yorkers, and other groups to know they are currently no credible or specific threats against our city,” he added.
Officials at the security briefing said they are working with state and local law enforcement “in anticipation of tomorrow’s day of resistance that has been widely promoted on social media.” Adams said that the city is expecting large-scale protests Friday, adding that New Yorkers “must remain vigilant.”
Reuters reported Wednesday that former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal called for protests across the world Friday to show support for Palestinians amid the ensuing fighting in Israel. More than 1,200 Israelis have been killed in the fighting, and more than 1,100 Palestinians have died as a result of airstrikes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said at the briefing that she has talked with the Biden administration about upping security measures in the state in the aftermath of the attacks. She reiterated that there are no active threats to the state, noting that state police and the state Division of Homeland Security have been “fully activated.”
“We want to reiterate to New Yorkers, there’s no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives or their routines,” she said. “And indeed, when we change our behavior without a serious, credible threat, we’re letting the terrorists win. I want all New Yorkers to feel confident going into a synagogue or going to school walking to the streets of New York and throughout our state over the next few days.”
The Los Angeles Police Department also put out a statement emphasizing that there were no “specific or credible threats” to the city in response to the reports of a call to action.
“We are closely monitoring these events and are coordinating with Federal, State, and local partners on information sharing. We will continue to closely monitor these events,” the police department said in a statement. “We will be reaching out to our local Jewish and Muslim communities and will be providing extra patrol during this unimaginable time.”
John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, confirmed Thursday that 27 Americans have been killed in the attacks and 14 U.S. citizens are still unaccounted for. When asked about the anticipated demonstrations planned across the country, Kirby emphasized that the administration is working with local authorities.
“We are constantly in touch with local law enforcement, state and — state and federal officials across the country to — to make sure that we are as — as vigilant as we can be to be able to identify and disrupt any threats to the American people. We’re absolutely going to stay focused on that,” he said.
Updated at 8:27 pm.