There’s no specific threat to the biggest Thanksgiving celebration in the country, but authorities from the NYPD up to the federal government are on alert.
Investigators behind a joint threat assessment from the NYPD and FBI are warning that terrorists from home and afar may target the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, according to a new report.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to attract 2 million in-person spectators from around the United States and a national audience on TV. About 10,000 marchers are slated to participate, and they come from all over the country, too.
This year’s rehearsal photos show the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriot Marching Band from South Dakota, the Minuteman Marching Band from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, high schoolers from Georgia, New Jersey and Arizona, the Texas-based Spirit of America Cheer group, and more.
« The men and women of the NYPD are looking forward to hosting the millions of spectators who will attend this week’s Thanksgiving-related festivities », Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard told Fox News. « And while there are currently no credible or specific threats to any individual event or to New York City in general, the police department will continue partnering with our state and federal colleagues to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all the people we serve. »
But domestic and foreign terrorists may find the parade to be an appealing soft target, according to the assessment first obtained by ABC News.
« Though the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade event will provide a broad set of potential soft targets for an attack, congested areas where the largest amount of people gather – particularly designated viewing areas – are likely the most vulnerable spots for a mass casualty attack », according to the outlet.
