NYPD deploys counterterror forces, guards French sites after Paris attacks
Police keep guard outside of the French consulate in Manhattan following an attack on civilians in Paris on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. Credit: Getty Images / Spencer Platt
NYPD counterterrorism forces deployed in the city last night to protect French government locations and public places where big crowds gather, a police spokesman said.
The French Consulate, the mission to the United Nations and "other sites related to France" are being guarded by heavily armed police in the aftermath of mass killings that rocked Paris, authorities said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the NYPD "is in close contact" with the city's liaison in Paris and "are closely monitoring the situation," but said there is no specific threat against the United States. "The people of New York City are heartbroken to see our sister city of Paris shaken again by these thoughtless acts of violence, and we stand in solidarity with the residents of Paris," de Blasio said in a statement.
An NYPD statement said the deployment to "crowded areas around the city" was made "out of an abundance of caution to provide police presence and public reassurance as we follow the developing situation overseas."
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the state's police and homeland security agencies "are actively monitoring the situation for any implications in New York State."
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the tragic and senseless attacks in Paris," Cuomo said.
Representatives of the county police forces in both Suffolk and Nassau say they're monitoring developments with the Paris attacks and would deploy officers as necessary. With Ellen Yan
Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.
