In a downtown tower overlooking Ground Zero, and flanked by local, state, and transit police officers, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed an agreement to beef up security measures in the region.
Cuomo said the ramped up security will be particularly visible to commuters and everyday subway riders. Law enforcement officers from NJ Transit, the Port Authority and state police from both states will have a presence at transit hubs in New York and New Jersey.
“You’re going to see an increased police presence, on multiple levels – state police, MTA, Port Authority, more canine units, baggage checks,” Cuomo said.
The states will also get additional support from the National Guard. New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said the collaboration between the two states does not reflect a specific threat, but an awareness of an uptick in terrorist activity globally.
The railway and transportation system in New York and New Jersey is of particular interest to terrorists, D’Amico said.