Increased NYPD Presence At NYC Churches Following ISIS Threat
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are stepping up patrols at New York City churches after ISIS called for attacks targeting places of worship and other holiday gathering sites over the weekend.
The increased patrols came after the FBI issued a bulletin warning for "lone wolf" attacks, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
On Friday night, metal barriers were set up in areas surrounding St. Patrick's Cathedral as police vehicles remained parked outside.
The warnings did not stop a steady stream of parishioners from entering and exiting the church.
"Unusually crowded. We've been doing it every year for the past three years now, and usually we can get a seat, but we couldn't get past the main entrance," one woman told 1010 WINS' Samantha Liebman. "Still beautiful, I love the singing and we could see it up on the screen. So it was nice."
"I totally felt safe. I saw the police, and I feel like we're in God's house and he was going to protect us," another said.
Authorities said there are no credible threats against St. Patrick's or any other place of worship in New York City at this time.
"Being in the city all the time and working in the city, I'm always looking around and keeping on my toes," one parishioner told Hall.
"It is a little concerning, talking about ISIS, but pretty sure the NYPD will handle the situation, so I'm not too worried about it," another man said.
The FBI is tracking the threat's credibility, saying "we continue to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners should there be any potential threat to public safety."
The NYPD is urging the public to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.