Police Prepared With 'All Hands On Deck' Security Plan For Boston Marathon
BOSTON (CBS) – In the aftermath of this week's New York City subway shooting, Boston Marathon organizers are assuring the public that they should feel safe attending Monday's race.
Police and other local officials held a news conference Thursday to lay out details of security measures for Marathon Monday.
Massachusetts State Police Deputy Superintendent Scott Warmington said there will be a large number of uniformed troopers, local officers, National Guard members, tactical units, and a State Police Airwing monitoring the marathon. There will also be security measures taken that are not visible, such as undercover officers.
Ten people were shot and wounded in the New York City subway attack and more than a dozen more suffered other injuries. On Wednesday, suspect Frank James was arrested.
"We know that Tuesday's shooting in the New York City subway has caused understandable concerns for the residents of this Commonwealth," Warmington said. "I can assure you that the state police and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant and we are well prepared to respond to any situation. Furthermore our marathon security operation is dynamic and scalable and can be quickly adapted as necessary."
In light of the New York City subway attack, the head of Boston's FBI field office added a twist to "see something say something."
"If you see something about someone, say something. It could be a neighbor a coworker or a classmate," FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Joseph Bonavolonta said. "The greatest threat that we face are lone actors who radicalize online and attack soft targets with easily accessible weapons."
Like New York suspect Frank James is accused of doing, and the Tsarnaev brothers who targeted the Boston Marathon in nine years ago.
"Additionally, we've encountered domestic violent extremists whose personal grievances from racial or ethnic bias, to anti-authority or anti-government sentiment has posed a significant problem," Bonavolonta said.
Police said there is no intelligence suggesting any threats have been made against this year's Boston Marathon.
After New York authorities discovered some security cameras there were not working during Tuesday's shooting, Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green said all cameras on his system have been checked.
Green said when it comes to security for major events, it's "all hands on deck."
"But every day, every regular day we're prepared, we're out there, we're vigilant, we're alert, and we're visible," Green said. "We don't have the luxury to relax because an individual got caught on the subway somewhere else. We're on guard every single day."
Bonavolonta said people should feel comfortable attending Monday's race.
"I know this week's tragic events in New York have some on edge. But as you've heard already, there is a robust security plan in place," Bonavolonta said. "And we encourage you and your families to have a great time as our city takes center stage again for the running of the Boston Marathon."
You can watch live coverage of the 126th Boston Marathon on WBZ-TV and CBS Boston.com on Monday, April 18, 2022.