The New York Police Department (NYPD) is keeping observers and performers safe during this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with an increased police presence, entry point screenings and even drones after pro-Palestinian protests interrupted last year's parade.
Over 30 people were arrested during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City after people protesting the war in Gaza jumped police barricades and glued themselves to the street. The protesters were photographed holding a sign that read, "GENOCIDE THEN, GENOCIDE NOW." Police said there was no significant disruption to the parade.
There were 34 total arrests, including 30 for trespassing. The four other people were arrested for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing governmental administration, the NYPD said at the time.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned anyone planning to disrupt the parade again this year.
"And I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they're going to disrupt the parade. It's not going to happen," he said during a briefing on Wednesday. "Just as we responded last year, we're going to be on top of those who attempt to interrupt the parade in any way possible."
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed the heightened security that will be seen during this year's parade.
"Of course, there will be an increased police presence both along the parade route and in the surrounding neighborhoods, including entry point screenings, uniformed foot posts, bike teams, as well as aviation, canine, transit, and other specialized units," she said during Wednesday's briefing. "You may see our NYPD drones flying overhead, which are an incredibly useful tool when dealing with the huge crowds we typically draw for this event."
Tisch is also counting on New Yorkers to do their part in keeping the streets safe.
"And we will have you, the eyes and the ears of New Yorkers. There is no greater force multiplier than a responsive and an engaged public. So, if you see anything that doesn't look or feel right, tell a uniformed officer or call 911 right away," she added.
Newsweek reached out to Adams' office and the NYPD via email for comment Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may be an attractive target for foreign and domestic terroristic violence, according to a threat assessment by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and NYPD, obtained by ABC News.
The most significant threats to the parade stem from "lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence," the assessment says.
However, Tisch on Wednesday that "there are no credible or specific threats to the parade at this time."
She added: "Our intel analysts and counterterrorism officers have been preparing for this all year in close collaboration with our federal, our state, and our local partners."
Update 11/28/24, 9:27 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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