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New York amps up security after concerns reported
New York will boost security for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup in June, the governor said on Wednesday, after reports of threats especially related to the India-Pakistan match.
"In preparation for the @cricketworldcup, my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe," Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X, adding there was "no credible threat at this time".
ABC News cited a New York City Police Department bulletin saying the tournament and its related events in New York City could be viewed by extremists as an opportunity to commit acts of violence or disruption.
"Recent pro-ISIS propaganda which specifically referenced the upcoming India-Pakistan match at this major event ... raises concerns and reinforces the need for heightened vigilance" among security partners, the bulletin is quoted as saying by ABC News.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the World Cup received an ISIS-K-linked threat in April and more specific threats over the India versus Pakistan match.
World Cup matches between India and Pakistan, which have not played a bilateral series in several years due to tense political relations, are among the most viewed sporting events in the world.
Hochul said in a statement New York State Police had been directed to increase enforcement presence, surveillance and screening processes for the tournament.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said described the mega-event, which is likely to draw massive crowds from among the expats, as "Super Bowl on steroids".
"There will be teams from all over the world coming in. There will be fans from all over the world coming to Nassau County...we have been meeting for well over six months on a regular basis to talk about security concerns and health care concerns, which could potentially arise at any kind of event of this magnitude."
"We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman also noted the county's coordinated security efforts with federal partners, including the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security among others.
"To that end, we have taken many, many precautions as well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe," he said.
The terror threat to the event was first revealed by Trinidad's Prime Minister Keith Rowley and the ICC had responded to it by asserting that a robust security cover is in place to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
"The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place.
"We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event," teh ICC had stated.
The ninth T20 World Cup is will run from June 1-29, with matches at nine stadiums -- six in the West Indies and three in the United States.
The India-Pakistan June 9 contest will take place in at the Eisenhower Park stadium in Nassau County, New York.