NYC braces for traffic, protests during UN General Assembly

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Thousands of NYPD officers will be deployed across New York City this week as world leaders gather for the United Nations General Assembly, an event city officials describe as taking place in a heightened security environment.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said last week there are no credible security threats, but officials are preparing for extensive security operations as representatives from nearly 200 countries arrive in the city. Delegations from Iran, Ukraine and Israel are expected to attend.

The NYPD said uniformed officers will be stationed at and around U.N. headquarters throughout the week, alongside heavy weapons teams, aviation and harbor units, K-9 teams, bomb squads, the department's drone team, counterterrorism officers and other specialized units. Officials also said additional security measures will be in place that will not be visible to the public.

A gridlock alert begins Monday and runs through Friday. Rolling pedestrian and vehicle closures are expected near U.N. headquarters and in other parts of the city as delegations travel. Portions of the FDR Drive also will be closed at certain times.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department is conducting a large-scale security operation for the annual event.

"The largest event of the year, the United Nations General Assembly. You will see full deployment of New York City police officers and all of our specialty teams. That deployment is designed to keep New Yorkers safe, but also to address any threats that we might see. My message to New Yorkers is: Please remain vigilant."

People who live and work near the U.N. are also preparing for demonstrations expected throughout the week.

"They like to demonstrate their pride, their cultures, their beliefs. I think just as long as everything can stay peaceful, it's OK," said Matt, who lives near the U.N.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak on Thursday.

The NYPD said it is prepared to work with protest organizers and will have no tolerance for violence or destruction of property.