Mayor Nutter's Chief of Staff Promises Adequate Security In Place for Holiday Weekend
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Even as the city of Philadelphia begins to party for the Fourth of July, security measures are in place to make sure that the celebrations go on without a hitch.
Everett Gillison, the city's deputy mayor for public safety, acknowledged today that, "Yes, there's been a lot of chatter" about potential terrorism threats, "but there's no specific threat to anywhere, of which we are aware, in the country."
Today, on Independence Mall, Gillison had assurances for both local residents and visitors.
"Yes, come, yes. Understand that you can feel safe," he said.
Still, like his counterparts nationwide, Gillison urges everyone to be vigilant.
"If you see something, say something," he advises the public. "If it doesn't feel right, it's not right. Just reach out to someone that you will see in uniform close by."
And Gillison says the city's security preparations have been extensive.
"There are things that you will see, like the uniformed police presence at all of the big events, but there are things you will not see," he notes, adding, "We are fully prepared."