San Francisco is preparing for New Year’s Eve amid FBI concerns that it is an “attractive target” in a threat assessment. The private dossier provided by law enforcement concerns San Francisco’s “unprotected coastline” and fireworks barges during celebrations.
SFPD Reassures Public Amid FBI’s ‘Attractive Target’ Designation: No Credible Threat to San Francisco on New Year’s Eve
SFPD tells the public that there is no credible threat to the city despite the FBI’s designation. Assistant Police Chief David Lazar notes that the assessment is for “situational awareness” and that there is no reliable evidence about planned assaults.
San Francisco, along with New York City and Las Vegas, is under FBI investigation, but the SFPD says New Year’s Eve celebrations will go on. The police are adding patrols around proposed sites and the Embarcadero for the fireworks extravaganza as a precaution.
The FBI’s danger assessment warns of autonomous domestic or Jihadi extremists, cyberattackers, and drones. Assistant Chief Lazar advises against drone deployment, citing complexities and Homeland Security concerns.
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FBI Identifies San Francisco’s Vulnerabilities: SFPD Collaborates with Coast Guard as Alameda Police Chief Ensures Community Preparedness Amid Elevated Threat Levels
San Francisco’s “large unprotected coastline” and fireworks barges are FBI targets. The SFPD is addressing these issues with the Coast Guard and marine unit. Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi, who examined the FBI evaluation, stated that there is no threat to the community. However, he emphasizes preparedness with maximal staffing and alert patrols.
Global geopolitics, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict, also enhance threat levels, according to the threat assessment. After the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, threats and hate speech have increased, as has ISIS and al Qaeda propaganda online.
Due to current work, the Treasure Island Development Authority strongly discourages visitors from visiting Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island on New Year’s Eve for public safety. Assistant Chief Lazar advises citizens to report suspicious activity. Law enforcement’s main message is community safety throughout New Year’s Eve.