(USNewsMag.com) – After a former leader of the group Hamas called for a global “Day of Jihad” on Oct. 13, all police officers with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) were ordered to report for work in uniform.
The move comes as NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau’s deputy commissioner, Rebecca Weiner, stated on Oct. 12 that while there were no credible threats to New York City, the officers were being ordered “out of an abundance of caution,” adding it would be to deter anyone who may be looking to “do us harm in this city.”
Religious centers were advised to limit access, make sure that doors remained locked, and check alarms, security cameras, perimeters, and any packages.
Nicholas Boshears, who works as a special agent with the FBI in New York, along with the NYPD, made sure all areas within the city were protected despite there being no credible threat.
The National Guard was ordered by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to protect all transit hubs, while the New York State Police was ordered to increase the security of museums, yeshivas, and synagogues.
After Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in Israel, which killed over 1,300 Israeli citizens, the group called for a “Day of Jihad” on Oct. 13. They called for “a day of general mobilization” in the “Arab and Islamic world.” Former Hamas chief Khalid Mashal, in his own statement, urged Muslims to take “to the streets” during the “Day of Jihad.”
Though no credible threat was reported, some Jewish schools in the city closed on Oct. 13. Some offices in Manhattan also advised employees to remain home for the day.
An event in support of the “Day of Jihad” was held in Times Square on Oct. 13. On Oct. 8, a rally was held by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Times Square in support of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack against Israel.
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