NYPD Steps Up Halloween Security 1 Year After West Side Bike Path Terror Attack
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The NYPD stepped up security this Halloween following the synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh and mail threats across the country.
Police say there are no credible threats, but they were not taking any chances. In Greenwich Village, the 50,000 parade-goers in creative costumes were joined by countless officers in uniform and undercover.
All this came one year after the West Side bike path terror attack that killed eight people and injured a dozen more.
"One year ago, we endured the worst terror attack in New York City since 9/11, in terms of loss of life," Police Commissioner James O'Neill said Tuesday. "In the immediate aftermath, no one was complacent, no one was defeated, and we saw the strength of our resolve later that evening with the very large crowds that participated in the Halloween parade."
Watch: Mayor De Blasio, Police Commissioner Mark Anniversary Of West Side Terror Attack
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the police commissioner presided over a memorial ceremony for the victims Wednesday.
"For the families, (it's) a pain that will never go away," the mayor said.
"As we make our way forward together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain public safety in every neighborhood, on every street, on every sidewalk and on every bike path," O'Neill added.
CBS2 spoke with victim who survived the attack.
"I was hit by the truck and I was very lucky to have sustained really minor injuries and to be able to be here today," she said. "It's important what we did this morning to honor the lives of the people that were lost and to also celebrate the lives that we all still have."
Watch: NYPD Presser On Halloween, NYC Marathon Preparations
"I think it's really scary what's happening now with all the violence and the threats of violence," Ari Rabinowitz, of Tribeca, said. "Today is a scary day. I'm not going to the parade tonight, because I don't like getting in areas of big crowds anymore. It's just too frightening."
Bike riders said they do feel more secure with the barriers that have since been put up along the path, and the NYPD says more bollards, or metal posts, will be added in the coming months.
"Cars can't get through onto this bike road now. So I mean, definitely a lot more safe," said Cameron Brazil, of Tribeca.
Last year's Halloween Parade in the Village drew about 60,000 participants and more than 900,000 spectators. The NYPD said this year – it's 45th anniversary – to be no different.
Extra security measures were in place, including thousands of plain clothed and uniformed officers, K-9 units and aviation.
"We made sure that we used blocker vehicles on all crosstown streets and uptown streets to make sure there's no unauthorized vehicles on the route," O'Neill said Tuesday.
New York University has postponed Wednesday's scheduled event with far-right speaker Milo Yiannopoulos at the request of the mayor.
"The fight against the evolving face of terrorism is one that no law enforcement agency, people we serve, can afford to lose," said O'Neill.
As always, police ask people to do their part and if they see something, say something.
