Opinion

Protecting the WTC

The NYPD did not just this week announce the security plan for the World Trade Center (“Furor Over NYPD’s planned Fort WTC,” May 17).

It has been discussed publicly since 2007 and was the subject of a detailed op-ed in The Post by Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly in 2010.

Contrary to assertions, the plan doesn’t erect a “fortress” around the site, but provides for common-sense security. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to enter and move about the site freely, more so than on most city blocks, because the streets will not be open to general traffic. Only vehicles having business at the site will be allowed to enter after screening for vehicle bombs.

The NYPD must take these precautions. The WTC was successfully attacked twice by terrorists: first, with a truck bomb in 1993, followed by its destruction on 9/11.

The iconic building nearing completion, as well as the memorial to the nearly 3,000 who perished there, remain inviting targets to terrorists intent on attacking New York again.

The plan helped us achieve what we all want: the right balance between convenient access and public safety.

Richard Daddario

Deputy Commissioner

Counterterrorism

NYPD

Manhattan