Subways and landmarks are receiving amped-up security in New York City today after explosions at the Boston Marathon. [videoembed id=134930]
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the NYPD stepped up security at strategic locations and important infrastructure around the city, including underground.
“Some of the security steps we are taking may be noticeable, including deployment of critical response vehicles and additional police personnel, and others will not be,” Bloomberg said.
About 1,000 NYPD members are specifically assigned to counter-terrorism duties, he said, and all are fully mobilized today.
“We’re stepping up security at hotels and other prominent locations in the city through deployment of the NYPD’s critical response vehicles until more about the explosion is learned,” NYPD top spokesman Paul Browne told reporters earlier today. [embedgallery id=134983]
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today that state security services, including the Division of Homeland Security and state police, emergency services, the MTA and Port Authority, are “on a heightened state of alert as we learn more about this incident.”
New York National Guard officials are at the Boston Marathon, Cuomo added.
He said the New York National Guard sent three vehicles and six soldiers to Massachusetts Sunday.
“They are on hand to assist with emergency response and work together with local authorities following this incident,” he said.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn said New Yorkers “know all too well the devastating reality terrorist acts have had on our country.”
“We must send a clear and unequivocal message to anyone who attempts to harm our country with acts of terror: their deeds will not go unpunished,” she said.
About 530 runners were from the New York City area, according to marathon records.
One city running group, NYC Runs, reported that their runners so far had all reported back that they were safe.
“This is a tragic day for all of us in the running community,” New York Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg said.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families of the bombings at the Boston Marathon today, as well as with the runners, spectators, volunteers and staff of the Boston Athletic Association,” she said.
She said NYRR, which runs the ING New York City Marathon, will continue to work “hand in hand” with the NYPD for future events.
“The safety and security of all New York Road Runners’ races is and will always be our top priority,” she said.
