January 1, NYPD, FBI Boost Security Ahead of NYE Festivities

Wyatt’s Take

• Federal and local law enforcement are tightening security for New Year’s events nationwide.
• NYPD is increasing patrols, deploying secondary screenings, bomb squads and K-9 units in Times Square.
• National Guard and federal agents are active in hotspots, monitoring threats and deterring attacks.

This year, the NYPD is deploying bomb squads, K-9 units, and heavy weapons teams to protect crowds at Times Square.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the new internal screening steps are based on lessons from past terror events.

“The secondary screening is something that is net-new this year. It’s based on what we’ve learned over the past year and what we have seen throughout the world in the terrorism space. If we see anything that looks suspicious, we will have teams in place to do appropriate screening.”

Federal agents are keeping watch on online chatter and have already stopped a planned attack in California aimed at Los Angeles festivities.

The National Guard is visible in areas hit hard last year, like New Orleans, where hundreds of troops are on patrol.

Folks across the country are being reminded to keep their eyes open as they ring in 2026.

Stay informed and look out for your family and neighbors as you celebrate the new year.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland values teach us to be watchful and help each other in uncertain times. When neighbors look out for one another, our communities stay strong.

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