The NYPD has ramped up its anti-terror efforts at landmarks and other potential terrorist targets after explosions rocked the Boston marathon earlier today.
A law enforcement source said the extra measures were “to make sure there’s no nonsense going on here”.
Officers are scouring live feed from surveillance videos throughout the city to monitor possible events, the source said.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said that the NYPD has deployed its Critical Response Vehicles as well until more about the explosion is learned.
The FDNY says their units have also been advised to use elevated caution due to the explosions.
A police officer with his K-9 companion keeps guard as a Long Island Rail Road train from New York City arrives at the station in Hicksville, New York. (Getty Images)
NYPD squad cars lined up near Times Square (TWITTER/@clarerrrr)
NYPD squad cars lined up near Times Square today (TWITTER/@jorcohen)
Landmarks with increased security include the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Brooklyn Bridge and the Museum of Natural History.
“As law enforcement authorities investigate today’s explosions in Boston, I ask all New Yorkers to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement.
PHOTOS: EXPLOSIONS ROCK BOSTON MARATHON
“I have spoken with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and the NYPD has stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure, including our subways.
“Some of the security steps we are taking may be noticeable, including deployment of Critical Response Vehicles and additional police personnel, and others will not be.
“We have 1,000 members of the NYPD assigned to counter-terrorism duties, and they – along with the entire NYPD and the investments we have made in counter-terrorism infrastructure – are being fully mobilized to protect our city.”
Speaking at an event celebrating Israel’s 65th Year of Independence in Midtown tonight, Mayor Bloomberg asked New Yorkers to keep a lookout for anything suspicious.
“We are asking all New Yorkers to remain vigilant in the days ahead. If you see something that looks strange just pick up the phone and say something. But at the same time, we refuse to let cowardly acts of violence stop us from living in our city, the city that we love,” he said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he had directed state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police, the MTA and the Port Authority, to be on a heightened state of alert.
“New York National Guard on Sunday sent three vehicles and 6 soldiers to support the Marathon, and they are on hand to assist with emergency response and work together with local authorities following this incident.”