De Blasio: NYC won’t be intimidated by new Islamic State video

November 19, 2015 Associated Press

Police officers stand guard in Times Square on Wednesday. The NYPD says it's aware of a newly released Islamic State group video showing images of Times Square but says there's no current or specific threat to the city. AP Photo/Michael Balsamo

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New York City will not be intimidated by a newly released Islamic State group video showing images of Times Square, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, urging residents to go to work and live normally.

The video was released Wednesday, just a week before the city goes into full holiday mode with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade followed by the Christmas tree lighting in Rockefeller Center. These and other events attract tens of millions of visitors each year.

“Stoking fear is the goal of terrorist organizations, but New York City will not be intimidated,” de Blasio said during a news conference Wednesday night. “New Yorkers won’t live in fear and people should continue to go to work, live their lives and enjoy the greatest city in the world.”

An NYPD spokesman said some of the video footage is old, but the video reaffirms the message the city remains a top target for extremists.

“While there is no current or specific threat to the city at this time, we will remain at a heightened state of vigilance and will continue to work with the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the entire intelligence community,” said Stephen Davis, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner for public information.

Police Commissioner William Bratton said the video appears to be a “hastily produced” one using old film footage.

“Be aware, but do not be afraid. The NYPD will protect you,” Bratton said. “We cannot be intimidated, and that’s what terrorists seek to do. They seek to create fear. They seek to intimidate. We will not be intimidated, and we will not live in fear.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that he directed state agencies to “enhance their preparedness” after the Paris attacks, which killed 129 people last week.

“Remember that the terrorists’ goal is to let fear win — New Yorkers never have, and we never will,” he said.