Bill de Blasio: NYPD boosts anti-terror patrols after threat

The NYPD is intensifying anti-terrorism patrols because of a threatened multistate attack on the eve of the election, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday.

CBS News, citing American intelligence sources, reported Friday morning that al-Qaida is hoping to attack on Monday, with New York, Texas and Virginia as potential targets.

Although “it’s not at all clear how credible this is” and the threat “is so nonspecific,” de Blasio told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer on the weekly “Ask the Mayor” radio show, “we’re certainly in a vigilant position.”

The report came as officials prepared for the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, and both major presidential candidates’ election-night parties in Manhattan. De Blasio said policing already was set to be intensified for all those events.

“We’re already planning an extraordinary police presence for Tuesday, because, for the first time in memory, there will be two presidential campaigns having their victory celebrations in New York City on Tuesday night,” de Blasio said.

Republican nominee Donald Trump will be at the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue; Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, at the Javits Convention Center.

De Blasio also said, “We’re going to have a very strong police presence around the marathon. Obviously, that’s all five boroughs.”

Marathons across the nation have seen enhanced security since 2013, when terrorists planted pressure-cooker bombs at the Boston Marathon finish-line, killing three people and injuring more than 250 others.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.