Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on increased security measures in the wake of the brutal Hamas attacks on Israel, following a briefing from New York State Police at the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC) in the Capital Region. Governor Hochul also reiterated calls on social media companies to focus on these threats and to increase platform moderation in order to prevent the proliferation of hateful content.

“As New Yorkers grieve loved ones impacted by the abhorrent Hamas terror attacks, it’s critical we provide the security necessary for Jewish communities here in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Immediately following the Hamas attacks, I deployed the New York State Police to increase security measures to protect synagogues, yeshivas, cultural centers and other at-risk sites. Now, it’s time for social media companies to do the same: monitor the speech on your platform and crack down on incitements to violence – before it’s too late.”

Immediately following the first reports of attacks in Israel on Saturday morning, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Police to increase patrols and outreach. Working with law enforcement, State Police are monitoring potential targets and vulnerable locations around the state, including synagogues, yeshivas, and Jewish museums and cultural centers. To ensure the confidentiality and efficacy of these protective measures, the New York State Police does not release further information about security measures or personnel deployments.

At Governor Hochul’s direction, State Police are also working with local law enforcement and other security partners to track threats posted on social media and to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. Utilizing new resources secured by Governor Hochul in the FY24 Budget, the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC) has been closely monitoring content on social media and other online channels. While there are no credible threats at this time, online monitoring has shown increased chatter from Neo-Nazis, white supremacists and pro-Hamas extremists.

New Yorkers who see suspicious activity should report it immediately.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)