To Stress or Not To Stress? Many New Yorkers React Calmly to ISIS’ Threat of An Attack
After the terror group ISIS released a video on Nov. 18th that claimed that New York City could be the next terrorism target after Paris, some New Yorkers simply shrugged and went about their business, which was exactly what the Mayor urged at a hastily called press conference.
The ISIS video pointed to two of New York City’s most crowded areas, Times Square and Herald Square, juxtaposing images of bombs. At the press conference, which was held in Time Square, Mayor Bill de Blasio claimed there were no specific or credible threats and encouraged the public to continue with their normal routines. Despite his assurances, the police and fire departments were on heightened alert.
The NYPD increased the number of patrols around Times Square.and several patrol wagons were parked between 45th Street and Broadway. The FDNY, located on 48th street and 8th AVE also paid high attention. Three well-prepared fire engine were parked inside the department, which was only one block away from the Time Square.
Despite the stepped-up police presence, Times Square still attracted large numbers of people. Nearby stores, theaters, and cafés were open for business as usual.
Times Square sees 300,000 visitors each day, and that is likely to go up as the holiday season approaches. For example, during New Year’s eve, around 500,000 people gather in the Square to celebrate the holiday.
Since the ISIS release of the video, Panline Openano, a shop assistant at Forever 21, a clothing shop located in Times Square, said, “I didn’t see a decline in the number of customers nor in sales recently.”
Others milling around the area also were not panicked by the ISIS threats.
“The video has no big influence on me,” said Francisco Gwomain, who is originally from Spain and lives in New York. “I worried about my friends in Paris but I’m not scared here. I’m confident [in] this country and its policies.”
Nicole Bardis, a resident of Long Island, said, “We shouldn’t ignore the video because it’s reality, but I’m not scared. I’m just a little distracted.”
Bardis’ friend-Walter Dewet, added, “I don’t think the same things that happened in Paris will happen here.” He pointed out that ISIS is under pressure from Russia, also other European countries. “ISIS is probably just trying to intimidate the U.S.”
While the city is on high alert with increased number of patrols and the fire engines, the ISIS video isn’t giving every New Yorkers a reason to worry.
