Gov. Cuomo Lays Out Plan For Increased Security Due To ISIS Terror Threat
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The war on the terrorist group ISIS is being felt here at home.
On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a new security plan for New York, calling for hundreds of extra officers, tens of millions in extra funding, and tight security measures for New York City's tunnels, bridges and other transit hubs.
"This state and this metropolitan area, will never have been as protected as it will be when this plan is in operation," he said.
Cuomo called the plan a security surge, CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported.
With an increase of terrorist activity overseas by ISIS, the governor said the New York City area is a high-profile target.
So Cuomo is using his authority to move the National Guard to some of the region's mass transit sites. There will also be increased surveillance by the MTA and Port Authority police, Burrell reported.
"This is just a general precaution given the obvious situation and the obvious facts," Cuomo said.
State leaders who joined the governor to announce the security increase have agreed to help fund the plan.
"There's no question that terrorist groups – whether it's Hamas, ISIS or some others – they want to kill us. They hate us. They want to hurt us. They want to kill us," said state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre.)
While some commuters Burrell spoke with said they're skeptical, many others said they were concerned.
"I'm not convinced that this group is any more motivated or capable than the groups that have preceded," said New Rochelle resident Chris Lunde. "But if it makes people feel better than I'm up for that too."
"I don't want to continue to feel like I need that level of protection," said Ana Ceppi.
The operation is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, but state lawmakers said the state will help foot the bill, Burrell reported.
Gov. Cuomo said he does plan to meet with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie next week to discuss the issue.
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