NYPD Chief of Patrol Chell Assures Newsmax: Times Square Safety Is Our Priority

There have been no credible threats to New York City’s massive Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration despite the pro-Palestinian protests that have been popping up in the city, and the city’s police department and its partners are making sure that the more than a million people to celebrate there will be kept safe, New York Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell told Newsmax Sunday.

“Our technology is second to none, and we are a very quick and dynamic agency that can move fast,” Chell said on Newsmax’s “Sunday Report.” “Our communication is second to none, and we can move rather quickly.”

Since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, New York City has handled more than 1,000 protests, and “half of those have been pro-Palestinian,” said Chell, noting that more than 200,000 people have participated in protests, with more than 10,000 people at a time. 

“We’re well-equipped to handle it,” Chell said. “We have a whole apparatus tonight built around Times Square, buffer zones, safe zones. We’ll be awaiting protests if they come.”

Police will maintain the safety of the New Year’s Eve ball, but still will give the protesters “their space to talk, which we don’t like, but we have to, but we’re not going to let them next to the ball,” Chell said. 

In addition to the Times Square celebration, Chell pointed out he has a “whole city to run tonight,” and assured that the city is prepared for any situation.

Chell, speaking to Newsmax, noted that all the department’s federal, state, and local partners will also be present in the room Sunday night. 

“Our goal tonight, of course, is to keep everybody safe, the community safe, and have a great time,” said Chell. “Our police department will do their job and we’re going to have a good night tonight.”

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., appeared earlier on the program, and said that many of those protesting the war are “paid protesters” who are “not even sure what it is that they’re protesting about,” yet they are causing disruption and threatening public safety.

However, he expressed confidence in the NYPD to maintain the peace and ensure the safety of the city, especially during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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