Next week, over 130 world leaders will gather in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where high-level discussions will address critical global issues. In preparation, the NYPD is ramping up security, particularly focusing on the growing threat posed by unmanned drones, which they say pose a significant safety risk to New Yorkers.
With recent escalations in the Middle East, counter-terrorism planners are paying special attention to potential drone threats. The NYPD is pushing for greater control over these unmanned devices, as currently, only specialized federal agents have the legal authority to manage suspicious drones. The department plans to continue lobbying in Washington to secure access to drone mitigation technology.
Several key global issues, including climate change, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict, are expected to dominate the discussions at UNGA. Protests are also anticipated, with groups voicing opposition to the policies of various countries.
On Friday morning, the NYPD will hold a security briefing to outline the steps being taken to safeguard the city and the visiting officials. At the same time, families of hostages held by Hamas will gather at 9 a.m., urging for their release as the United States pushes for a ceasefire and negotiates for their freedom.