New York Governor Kathy Hochul is increasing security in the Big Apple following an intelligence report that there is an increased risk of a terrorist attack in the wake of Hamas’ brazen attack on Israel on October 7.
The assessment, written by the New York State Intelligence Center, was first reported by CBS News.
The report shows that as a result of increased violence in Israel with the bombing of Gaza, there has been an increase in ‘chatter’ about possible terrorist targets in the Big Apple.
“I work hard at the state level with the control I have. I’ll talk about this tomorrow, about what exactly we’re doing, and how many online threats we’ve uncovered, how many have been investigated, what the outcome is,” Hochul said of possible new threats.
The governor also said that her government is looking for ways to combat online radicalization.
Governor Kathy Hochul said her administration is working with officials in the wake of a new report claiming there is an increased risk of a terrorist attack in the Big Apple.
In response to the new report, FBI Director Christopher Wray has spoken about the ways in which the FBI monitors radical online activity
Since Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel on October 7, New York City has become a hotbed of pro-Palestinian protests
The intelligence center report shows that hate crimes against Jewish people, Muslims and Arabs are fueled by online rhetoric.
“The expansion of Israeli operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the increase in civilian casualties increases the likelihood that violent extremist threat actors will attempt to carry out attacks on targets in the West, with New York State as a focus.”
Terrorist messages have emphasized attacking ‘soft targets’ such as protests, group gatherings and other public events,” the report said in part.
“Our most immediate concern is that violent extremists, whether individuals or small groups, will draw inspiration from events in the Middle East to carry out attacks on Americans as they go about their daily lives,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week.
“That includes not only homegrown violent extremists inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, but also domestic violent extremists targeting Jewish or Muslim communities,” he added.
Over the past week, Hochul has spent $2.5 million in funds to bolster the FBI Joint Terrorism Force in New York with state police investigators.
Eight investigators will be stationed in the JTTF office in New York City and one investigator in their Offices in Albany and Rochester. The governor’s office said there were about 30 state law enforcement officers working with the task force before the additional investigators were added. The New York Daily News reported.
Governor Hochul last week announced the deployment of ten additional investigators to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Take Force to combat the staggering rise in anti-Semitism.
Earlier this month, a black swastika was painted on the door and picnic tables of Naturally Good Food & Café in Montauk
“It is painful for me as governor of this great state known for its diversity and the way we celebrate different cultures, different religions and different points of view.
“It is painful to see the cruelty with which New Yorkers treat each other everywhere, from college campuses to our streets, from schools to playgrounds, even as they enter their houses of worship,” Hochul said last week.
The governor spoke about the recent incidents that have occurred, including the mob of hundreds that stormed the Grand Central Terminal on Friday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, resulting in more than 300 arrests.
As the busiest travel day of the year, Thanksgiving, approaches, the governor said law enforcement will be on hand to ensure commuters can live their lives “freely and without disruption.”
‘The day Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 and the rise in hate crimes began immediately. “I immediately deployed the state police to be on high alert to protect vulnerable assets,” the governor said.
These vulnerable assets also include the city’s synagogues, yeshivas and mosques, and any other place that could be prone to hate crimes or violence.
The governor’s office said they have also been in contact with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information about possible threats.
During her speech, she announced a significant increase in funding for their efforts, including a total of $75 million; $50 million will go to local law enforcement and $25 million in security grants.
She expressed her gratitude to state and local law enforcement officials who protected citizens during this unprecedented time.
“The state police have been there and are embedded in local law enforcement. I saw it with my own eyes.’
She continued, “I visit different places of worship and whether it’s here in New York City, it’s happening and I’m grateful for their efforts.”
Last month, Hochul announced a review of perceived anti-Semitic activity on City University of New York campuses.
The schools have long been a hotbed of student activism in support of Palestinian human rights and against Israeli policies toward Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Some activists expressed concern that the review could undermine legitimate freedom of expression and make people hesitant to express political opinions.
“I fear this is just another smokescreen to silence or undermine pro-Palestinian activism at a time when it is needed most,” said Nerdeen Kiswani, former leader of the campus group Students for Justice in Palestine .
Hochul said the investigation will include an assessment of anti-Semitism on the system’s campuses, how the schools investigate anti-Semitism and discrimination complaints, and make recommendations on how to respect free speech rights while protecting people from discrimination and anti-Semitism can be protected.