Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Counterterrorism Preparedness Activities in 2024

More Than 900 Joint Counterterrorism Training Exercises Completed Last Year

Over 200 Mass Gathering Locations Assessed Statewide Including Stadiums, Campuses and Transportation Hubs

Exercises Conducted at Businesses, Critical Infrastructure Sites, Rail Stations and Truck Rental Locations To Increase Vigilance and Reporting Related to Suspicious Activity

Public Should Report Suspicious Activity to Law Enforcement at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697)

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT) in partnership with the New York State Police, conducted training exercises at more than 900 locations statewide in 2024 to increase public vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity. This included assessing more than 200 infrastructure locations across the State. Counterterrorism experts from more than 80 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies completed exercises assessing the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity in nearly every county in the State. Law enforcement and OCT staff also completed 66 NY-SECURE rail counterterrorism details this year to remind travelers of the importance of the ‘See Something, Say Something,’ campaign. Governor Hochul also provided funding to deploy twelve additional investigators and two commissioned officers to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force groups in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester & Plattsburgh. Governor Hochul also funded an expansion at the New York State Intelligence Center, which included the addition of social media intelligence analysts & counterterrorism intelligence analysts.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and in order to do that, we must always be prepared to act when disaster strikes.” Governor Hochul said. “With these security training exercises and assessments conducted in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement, we are ensuring first responders have the knowledge and resources they need to protect their communities, as well as making sure the public remains alert and vigilant.”

Law enforcement teams across the State conducted exercises involving more than 350 law enforcement personnel in each of the State’s 16 counter terrorism zones. As part of this process, teams assessed suspicious activity reporting and recognition at more than 700 retailers and businesses that sell chemicals, compounds, components, services, or rent space or resources that could be exploited by those with nefarious intent. These included 36 truck rental locations in 2024 and more than 600 since 2016. As part of the exercises, teams also assessed more than 200 infrastructure locations across the State, including stadiums and arenas, malls and shopping centers, colleges and universities, airports, transit hubs and other mass-gathering locations. Fifty-eight percent of the locations were new and not visited in previous years, which was an 18 percent increase from 2023. More than 7,300 total exercises have been conducted across New York since 2016.

OCT trained an additional 1,400 New Yorkers through more than 50 terrorism awareness presentations across New York, and OCT’s Cyber Incident Response Team also provided cyber threat briefings to over 2,600 state and local government stakeholders to ensure awareness and preparedness.

Since the State-coordinated effort was launched in 2016, suspicious activity reporting to the NYS Terrorism Tips Line during these exercises increased 33 percent, demonstrating effective outreach and training, as well as increased public vigilance and reporting.

Operation NY-SECURE

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services also partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in "Operation NY-SECURE" to conduct counterterrorism and incident response details along Amtrak routes and MTA commuter lines. These details improve coordination and response between the railroad police agencies responsible for each station, and the State and local law enforcement agencies that respond to emergencies at those locations. These visible, unannounced details included heightened platform patrols, increased security presence onboard trains, explosive detection canine sweeps and counter-surveillance measures.

In 2024, Operation NY-SECURE completed 66 details across the State. Teams conducted 54 single station details across the State, and 12 multi-station details at Amtrak and MTA stations along the Empire Line. Since the program's inception in 2018, law enforcement teams have conducted 513 details across the State. These details will continue in 2025.

“If You See Something, Say Something”

New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made by phone or online to the New York State Intelligence Center’s Terrorism Tip Line at 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697). New Yorkers can also download the “See Something, Say Something” smartphone app on the Safeguard New York webpage. If there is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We work closely with our local government and law enforcement partners year-round, conducting security trainings to prepare for potential acts of terrorism. The events in New Orleans and Las Vegas are tragic reminders of how important it is for us all to be vigilant, stay alert, and report suspicious activity to help protect our safety.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Educating businesses and the public on how to spot suspicious activity and notify law enforcement is critical for terrorism prevention. Planning, coordination, and training are all necessary to ensure local and state first responders are ready to work collaboratively to mitigate any type of emergency situation. These exercises are indispensable to our continuous efforts to protect and keep New Yorkers safe.”

In the aftermath of the racist mass shooting that killed 10 people at a Tops Friendly Markets store in Buffalo on May 14, 2022, Governor Hochul issued Executive Order 18 establishing New York’s first-ever Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit at DHSES, which now employs 18 people and requires each county in the State and New York City to develop plans to confront domestic terrorism. This has included $20 million to date to support the development of local multi-disciplinary Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams in all 57 counties and New York City. There are now 47 TAM teams, and the remaining counties are taking steps to create theirs. These TAM teams help address concerning behavior in the early stages before people take the steps that lead to radicalization, and are comprised of local organizations such as law enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and others to confront domestic terrorism, domestic violence extremism and targeted violence. In November 2023, Governor Hochul expanded the DTPU’s mission to provide training and support to all colleges and universities statewide. Today, the New York State TAM team network has more than 800 stakeholders involved in targeted violence prevention efforts across the State — an increase of 25 percent from 2023.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS REQUESTS DOCTORS COUNCIL AND HEALTH CARE PARTNERS ENGAGE IN MEDIATION TO AVERT A STRIKE AT FOUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS

 

Parties Would Engage in 60-Day “Cooling Off” Period to Resolve Underlying Issues and Continue Caring for New Yorkers 

  

Doctors Council Physicians are Employed by Private Affiliated Health Care Providers That Contract with NYC Health + Hospitals to Treat Patients at Their Facilities 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today sent a letter to Doctors Council SEIU and private health care providers that employ them to staff NYC Health + Hospitals facilities, requesting that they engage in a mediation process to avert a strike that would affect four New York City public hospitals. The Adams administration urges that a mediation process be part of a “cooling off period” during which all of the parties attempt to resolve their differences and avoid disrupting health care being delivered to thousands of patients across the five boroughs. Mayor Adams’ letter also requests that the parties do not take further action towards a strike throughout this 60-day period and that all parties select a “mutually agreeable mediator.” Mayor Adams has offered the assistance of the New York City Office of Labor Relations and its commissioner, Renee Campion.  

  

“Our administration is committed to providing excellent and equitable health care to New Yorkers, while also ensuring all workers in our city are treated fairly and with dignity,” said Mayor Adams. “A physicians’ strike at four public safety-net hospitals in three boroughs poses substantial risks to the health and safety of the city’s patients and our communities. That is why I have asked all parties to return to the table with the help of a mediator to come to an agreement. I also commit the efforts of Labor Relations Commissioner Campion if she can be of assistance in helping to resolve this dispute. I know each of the parties share my commitment to ensuring that high-quality care remains available to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay, and I am hopeful for a speedy solution.”  

  

“These four hospitals provide essential care to New Yorkers, including emergency and trauma services, inpatient and burn care, behavioral health and psychiatric treatment, and ambulatory and primary care — a strike could impact the health of thousands of New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The Adams administration’s efforts will be helpful to try to resolve the underlying labor dispute and advance us all towards our shared mission of health care and equity for all.” 

  

“We value the physicians who serve patients at NYC Health + Hospitals every day,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Our primary goal is to prevent a strike and ensure that quality care remains uninterrupted for our patients at these four hospitals.” 

  

On January 2, 2025, Doctors Council issued a strike notice that would affect four NYC Health + Hospital Facilities: NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, North Central Bronx, South Brooklyn Health, and Queens. Physicians at these sites are employed by Mt. Sinai (Queens) and Physician Affiliate Group of New York (Jacobi, North Central Bronx, and South Brooklyn), which contract with NYC Health + Hospitals to provide physician services.

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Winter Art Classes, Workshops & MSCreate!

BRONX RIVER ART CENTER

Celebrating 37 Years of Bringing Arts & Cultural Programs to the Bx.

Winter Registration is still Open!

Under 18 and live in Community Board 6? 

CB6 is offering ten (10) scholarships to cover the payment of any class you wish. Please email education@bronxriverart.org before signing up to take advantage of this offer. If you are unsure if you live in CB6, check the map by entering your address.

Bronx residents are eligible for a 40% discount! 

If you live in any of the following Zip Codes (10451-10460, 10462, 10467, 10472-10474), enter your Zip Code as a Promo Code when you buy your tickets on Eventbrite to get 40% off. Click here for further instructions. Discount applies for in-person sales as well.

Questions? Email info@bronxriverart.org for more information about free program availability, 

Sign up for Winter classes here!

We have more

Digital Classes!

Teens & Adults

10 weeks - Thursdays 6:30-8:30

Digital Animation with Tony Burstion

Using an assortment of free apps, you will create your own videos.

Teens & Adults

10 weeks - Saturdays 11-1

Digital Photography with Vicky Azcoitia

Teens & Adults

We are now offering 5 Week Classes!



Saturdays 3-5 with Gabriel Freire

Photo and Video Art using Photoshop & Lightroom

(1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8)

Digital Videography using Photoshop & Lightroom

(2/15, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22)

There are still a few spaces left!

Register for our FREE Middle School Program

MSCreate Sign-Up Form

Free After School Program for Middle Schoolers MSCreate featuring JJGrant

Winter session starts January 6th!

Check out BRAC's newest program! MSCreate is a free after-school program designed to build critical thinking skills in a safe and supportive environment through engagement with a wide array of visual arts. The program runs five (5) days a week from 3:30-6:30pm, with classes starting at 4:30pm. Geared for creative students who are considering specialized high schools and building their art portfolios, the session ends with a student show in our gallery and a small stipend for participants with good attendance.

Click here for more information about MSCreate!

For general questions about classes, please email education@bronxriverart.org.

Winter Workshops are available now!

Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Antioch, California, Police Department Resolving Race Discrimination Investigation

 

The Justice Department announced today an agreement with the Antioch, California, Police Department (APD) and the City of Antioch to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.

The department launched its investigation after the public disclosure of discriminatory text communications that dozens of APD personnel allegedly exchanged between September 2019 and January 2022. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California jointly investigated APD’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (Safe Streets Act). Title VI and the Safe Streets Act collectively prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion by recipients of federal financial assistance, such as APD.

“Fair and non-discriminatory policing is fundamental to effective law enforcement, especially for those agencies that receive federal funding,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In working with the Justice Department to institute policing reform, Antioch Police Department sends a strong message that the discrimination and misconduct that prompted this investigation will not be tolerated. The agreement we have secured will ensure that Antioch’s policing practices are free from discrimination in the road ahead — the community deserves nothing less.”

“Law enforcement is only effective when it inspires public confidence,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “A police department that discriminates based on race and other protected classes undermines both public safety and public confidence. Today’s agreement will help ensure that policing in Antioch is done constitutionally and will help restore public trust.”

In response to the investigation, APD, the City of Antioch and the City Manager worked cooperatively with the department to reach a resolution agreement embodying a commitment to nondiscrimination in APD’s policing operations and advancing its ongoing efforts to prevent and address discriminatory law enforcement practices.

Under the agreement, APD will hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The agreement contemplates a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.

Nondiscrimination under Title VI and the Safe Streets Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S PLANS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO FINALLY CHANGE NEW YORK’S INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT STANDARDS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s plans to introduce legislation to finally change New York’s involuntary commitment standards:  

  

“Denying a person life-saving psychiatric care because their mental illness prevents them from recognizing their desperate need for it is an unacceptable abdication of our moral responsibility. That is why, two years ago, our administration announced an ambitious plan to support New Yorkers living with untreated severe mental illness and experiencing homelessness, which included a new city protocol on involuntary removals and a package of proposed state legal reforms to maximize our ability to serve this population. The Supportive Interventions Act would ensure that those struggling with severe mental illness receive the help they need, instead of the current and unacceptable status quo of waiting for something tragic to happen. 

  

“Several recent incidents have shown what happens when these issues go untreated. As we have repeatedly said, we cannot wait for change. That’s why, since the start of our administration, we've put nearly every possible solution into action within the city's control without passage of this law: we've restored all public hospital psychiatric beds that were closed during the pandemic, doubled outreach staffing at the Department of Homeless Services, aggressively expanded specialized shelters like Safe Havens and stabilization beds, brought more than 1,400 new beds online, and connected thousands of unsheltered New Yorkers on the subway system to critical services through SCOUT, PATH, and other programs. 

   

“With today’s announcement, we are exceptionally grateful to Governor Hochul for listening to our calls and to the calls of everyday New Yorkers, and we look forward to working with her to develop next steps to finally codify these changes into law. There is no dignity in withering away on the streets without the ability to help yourself, and there is no moral superiority in just walking by those individuals and doing nothing. We must stop being so idealistic that we’re not realistic.” 

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul RE: Surge in violent crimes in our public transit system

“The recent surge in violent crimes in our public transit system cannot continue — and we need to tackle this crisis head-on. Many of these horrific incidents have involved people with serious untreated mental illness, the result of a failure to get treatment to people who are living on the streets and are disconnected from our mental health care system. We have a duty to protect the public from random acts of violence, and the only fair and compassionate thing to do is to get our fellow New Yorkers the help they need.

“This is an issue that has plagued New York for decades. I took office after nearly half a century of disinvestment in mental health care and supportive housing, which directly contributed to the crisis we see on our streets and subways. I pledged to reverse that trend, launching a $1 billion plan to transform the continuum of care. We created mental health outreach teams that have already helped 750 New Yorkers get off the streets and into stable care. We’re close to reaching our goal of bringing 1,000 inpatient psychiatric beds back online, so individuals who need care have a place to go. And we’re imposing new regulations on mental health facilities to ensure patients are discharged with a treatment action plan. This is critical work, and I’m grateful to the many mental health professionals and nonprofit partners who are helping us implement these policies.

“I’m also deeply grateful for the men and women of law enforcement, who put on the uniform every single day and fight to keep our subways safe. The NYPD has primary authority to patrol the subways, and we’ve supported their efforts by deploying additional State Police, MTA Police and 1,000 members of the New York National Guard. I directed the MTA to install security cameras in every single subway car, and now that the project is complete these cameras are helping police solve crimes even faster. Fighting crime requires collaboration at all levels of law enforcement, and I’m committed to continuing our strong partnership with City Hall to address this issue.

“But we can’t fully address this problem without changes to state law. That’s why I will be including legislation in my executive budget to finally change New York’s involuntary commitment standards. Currently hospitals are able to commit individuals whose mental illness puts themselves or others at risk of serious harm, and this legislation will expand that definition to ensure more people receive the care they need. I will also introduce companion legislation to change Kendra’s Law, improving the process through which a court can order certain individuals to participate in Assisted Outpatient Treatment while also making it easier for individuals to voluntarily sign up for this treatment. I’ve been pushing these changes for the past three years — the time for legislative action is now.

“Public safety is my top priority and I will do everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe.”

 

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS VIJAH RAMJATTAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF HATE CRIMES

 

Erica Ware to Serve as Deputy Executive Director, Jelissa Thomas to Serve as Senior Project Manager 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Vijah Ramjattan as the executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC). As executive director, Ramjattan will oversee the office’s interagency efforts to combat hate crimes using community-based programs and provide support to victims of hate and bias crimes. Joining Ramjattan at OPHC are deputy executive director Erica Ware and senior project manager Jelissa Thomas.  

  

“New York City is the greatest city in the world because of our extensive diversity, and to stamp out hate wherever it rears its ugly head, we need a leader that will help ensure that New Yorkers have the tools needed to be part of the solution,” said Mayor Adams. “I am proud to announce the appointment of Vijah Ramjattan as the executive director of the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. While hate crimes are down in our city, year over year, Vijah’s decade worth experience in community engagement, advocacy in marginalized communities, and mental health counseling makes him uniquely qualified to hit the ground running and combat hate crimes across the five boroughs.” 

  

“Nelson Mandela once said, ‘No one is born hating another person… People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love,’” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. “We fight hate by loving our neighbors. That is the North Star of the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes — bringing neighbors together to break bread, learn from each other, and see each other as fellow human beings; teaching kids about empathy and tolerance; and helping and healing victims of hate crimes. I look forward to working with Executive Director Ramjattan and the team to achieve this mission.” 

  

“We at the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice are excited to welcome this dynamic team to continue the vital work of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Director Deanna Logan. “Vijah is a longstanding community leader, with extensive experience in evidence-based community practices. There is no place for hate in our city, and the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes works with community partners through education, engagement, and shared humanity over a modest meal to meet hate with love and stand firmly in opposition to any incidents of bias or hate crimes. Vijah, Erica, and Jelissa’s commitment to safety, fairness, and equity will be an asset to this work, bridging the gap between data and community to enhance safety for all New Yorkers.” 

  

“I'm thrilled to join this administration to implement Mayor Adams’ vision of a city free of hate and bias. OPHC and its partners are a vital part of our city’s defense against the kinds of hate and bias that can undermine our public safety,” said Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes Executive Director Vijah Ramjattan. “Hate and bias have no place in New York City and I’m proud to join the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice under Director Logan’s leadership. I look forward to leading the OPHC team in supporting safe and hate-free communities.” 

  

Earlier this year, OPHC announced the release of “Teaching About Hate Crimes and Their Impacts,” a series of lessons designed to teach students in New York City public schools about hate crimes and bias incidents, as well as their impact on individuals and communities. Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts is an OPHC initiative that combats hate, bias, and discrimination. In early 2023, Mayor Adams launched “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds,” which aimed to bring 10,000 New Yorkers together to learn about common bonds, share cultures and traditions, and break down silos. Breaking Bread, Building Bonds surpassed that goal by bringing more than 15,000 New Yorkers together with the support of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and other city agencies. 

  

About Vijah Ramjattan  

Vijah Ramjattan serves as executive director of OPHC. Ramjattan has over a decade worth of experience in mental health counseling, compliance research practices, and community engagement and advocacy in marginalized communities.  

  

Before being appointed to this role, he served as a senior clinical research program administrator for the New York State Psychiatric Institute-Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. He previously served as counselor and grievance coordinator on Rikers Island for the New York City Department of Correction.   

  

Earlier in his career, Ramjattan served as president of the Council District 28 Community Education Council, as well as a founder and member of faith-based and community -based organizations, including the New York City Public Schools Interfaith Advisory Council, the United American Hindu Leadership Council, the United Madrassi Association, and multiple mayoral advisory councils. He has also served as an interfaith chaplain for NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.  

  

Ramjattan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Comparative Religion from The City University of New York’s Hunter College. 

  

Ramjattan reports to MOCJ Director Logan. 

  

About Erica Ware  

Erica Ware serves as deputy executive director at OPHC. Ware brings more than a decade of community-based services and victim advocacy to OPHC. She previously served as the deputy director of the Victim Services Unit for the Office of the District Attorney of Richmond County, where she supported victims of gun violence. She was a 2022 Advocate of the Year for the New York City Office to End Gender-Based Violence. Ware holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of Staten Island.  

  

Ware reports to OPHC Executive Director Ramjattan. 

  

About Jelissa Thomas  Jelissa Thomas serves as senior program manager of OPHC. Thomas is a seasoned educator who previously served as a master teacher and teacher coach for the Equity Project Charter School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters in Education. 

  

Thomas reports to OPHC Executive Director Ramjattan.