New York Tightens Security with Over 900 Counterterrorism Exercises in 2024
New York State is ramping up its vigilance against potential threats, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that more than 900 joint counterterrorism training exercises were completed in 2024. These efforts, coordinated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the New York State Police, spanned a wide range of locations, including stadiums, transportation hubs, and critical infrastructure sites.
Mass Gathering Assessments: Over 200 locations statewide, including stadiums, college campuses, and airports, were evaluated for security vulnerabilities.
Retail and Business Outreach: Law enforcement teams assessed suspicious activity reporting at more than 700 retailers and businesses, including 36 truck rental locations, which are often exploited in terror plots.
Rail Security Enhancements: Through Operation NY-SECURE, 66 rail counterterrorism details were conducted along Amtrak and MTA routes, featuring explosive detection sweeps, increased platform patrols, and heightened onboard security.
In total, more than 7,300 counterterrorism exercises have been conducted since the program's inception in 2016.
Governor Hochul highlighted the critical role of public vigilance in counterterrorism efforts. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” she said, urging residents to report suspicious activities by calling the NYS Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697) or using the "See Something, Say Something" app.
To bolster statewide security efforts, Governor Hochul has allocated funding for:
12 Additional Investigators and 2 Commissioned Officers: These personnel will join the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force groups in key cities, including New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester.
Expansion of the New York State Intelligence Center: The center now includes social media intelligence and counterterrorism analysts, ensuring a 360-degree approach to threat monitoring.
In the wake of the tragic mass shooting in Buffalo in 2022, Governor Hochul established New York’s first-ever Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit (DTPU). This unit supports local Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams, which are tasked with addressing early signs of radicalization and domestic terrorism.
Since its inception, 47 TAM teams have been established, with ongoing efforts to expand statewide. The DTPU now provides targeted violence prevention training to colleges and universities, involving over 800 stakeholders across New York.
State and local agencies, including the New York State Police and the Department of Homeland Security, have been instrumental in these counterterrorism initiatives. From law enforcement drills to cybersecurity briefings for government officials, the state is fostering a multi-pronged defense against potential threats.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the importance of preparation: “Planning, coordination, and training are all necessary to ensure local and state first responders are ready to work collaboratively to mitigate any type of emergency situation.”