MAYOR ADAMS MAKES NEW YEAR’S EVE PUBLIC SAFETY-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Mayor Eric Adams: No one does it better than the New York City Police Department in bringing in a new year. Hundreds of thousands of people will be out here lined up. And no matter how often we see it, you never get used to it. The excitement remains over and over again, and we are really looking forward to ringing in 2024 here in Times Square.

I want to thank the team, the entire DOT, NYPD, FDNY, the Times Square Alliance. This is their show. This is their Super Bowl. This is their opportunity to show what they do best. When the lights are on on Broadway, the lights are on in New York City, the lights are on in America. This is America's city, and we are proud to host this major event.

Every year, thousands of people come here and they enjoy themselves. And we only have one ask: spend as much money as possible. Leave all that money right here in New York City. We want everyone to have a great time. We want everyone to follow the rules.

We want to make sure that we continue to move in the right direction. In this city, crime is down and jobs are up. We are trending in the direction that we committed and promised ourselves that we were going to do two years ago when this administration came into place. When we came into office… Don't you love New York? When we came into office every day we wanted to deliver on that promise.

Events of this size, we know how to safeguard events of this size. We have major events going on at one time in this city, and with the collaboration of all of our agencies and organizations we get it right and we do it right all the time. And this includes Patrol Service Bureau South, Transit Bureau, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau and the Special Operations Division.

We will be out here with our canines, our horsebacks, our drones, our helicopters, our boats, the full complement of our public safety apparatus will be on display. Now, we're urging everyone, if you are here for the first time, you know you're not going to drive during this weekend. Public transportation is open. We are really encouraging everyone to use mass transit. And there's certain items you cannot bring into the safety zone, like large backpacks and alcoholic beverage are strictly prohibited, so please check before coming in so you won't be turned away.

We will find out the best routes to come in and the best time to be here. We know some folks line up early today, and remain here throughout the day. You know, more power to you. And we really love your enthusiasm and we encourage you to have a lot of fun this weekend.

So, I'm wishing everyone a healthy, safe, productive 2024. This is a great year that we've had here in the city with all the obstacles and challenges, and we are looking forward to leaning into 2024 and continue to do the things that we do, bring down crime and increase employment and know that this is the safest big city in America, New York City. Thank you very much. Thank you.