NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The NYPD has issued a warning about the increased risk of political violence and extremist messaging following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to a counterterrorism memo obtained by several outlets.
The NYPD intelligence bulletin highlights the possibility that the incident could motivate violent extremists, prompting additional calls for violence, according to the memo obtained by NBC New York.
The memo stresses the vulnerability of political events, especially campaign rallies, which are frequently held in open-air venues and present notable security challenges. In response, the NYPD calls for heightened vigilance and robust security measures at political events to mitigate these risks.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday issued a statement stating that in the aftermath of the shooting, she directed the New York State Intelligence Center to "monitor social media and other communication channels for threats of violence or retaliation." The NYPD is also conducting "outreach to local law enforcement to check for suspicious activity."
She also directed State Police personnel on the Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate with federal law enforcement and partner agencies. They are also monitoring high-profile locations, such as government buildings, that could be potential targets and are increasing patrols in those areas.
"We're coordinating with Mayor Adams and the NYPD to ensure the city has all the resources it needs," Hochul said. "We may be Democrats and Republicans in the voting booth, but above all, we are Americans, and we must never, ever forget that."
Joseph Giacalone, a former NYPD sergeant and professor at John Jay College, spoke with WCBS 880 about the heightened risk of political violence.
"Everyone is going to be on high alert, from the highest officials to the lowest levels of government,” Giacalone said. “We've seen a lot of vitriol and rhetoric on both sides, and at this point, anyone involved in the political realm could be in danger."
When asked about specific threats, Giacalone confirmed the fear of retaliatory attacks or copycat incidents. "Absolutely, both of those are always on the table. Given the seriousness of an assassination attempt, this situation must be treated at the highest threat level, not just in New York City but elsewhere. Security for political figures needs to be ramped up significantly."
Trump, having just survived an attempted assassination, is attending the Republican National Convention on Monday expecting to announce his pick for vice president.
Law enforcement officials are working to learn more about the 20-year-old who tried to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
In a briefing Sunday, FBI officials told reporters they had yet to determine what motivated the shooter to open fire from a nearby rooftop, killing one spectator and critically injuring two others before he was shot dead by the Secret Service. The FBI believes the shooter acted alone.
Following the attempted assassination, the NYPD mobilized to provide increased security to certain sites across New York City.
“The events that unfolded at today’s rally in Pennsylvania are horrific,” Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X on Saturday after Trump suffered an ear injury in the shooting. “Political violence has no place in this country.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is surging officers to certain sites across the five boroughs,” Adams said after offering his prayers to Trump, his family and all those in attendance at the Pennsylvania rally.
Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy said that while City Hall sees “no nexus to NYC at this time” the NYPD increased its presence across the city, including at Trump Tower, 40 Wall Street, Foley Square and City Hall.
City Hall confirmed Sunday afternoon that increased security at Trump Tower was continuing throughout the day as people from the United States and abroad took pictures outside of the Fifth Avenue building.
“This high profile of a person that's a Republican nominee for president, or even the current President Joe Biden, they should have the almost perfect protection and where this never happens in our country,” Mike Randall, of Florida, told 1010 WINS/WCBS 880.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.