Govs. Chris Christie, Andrew Cuomo team up on security
NEW YORK -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, and Gov. Chris Christie, R-New Jersey, announced Wednesday that they were coordinating increased security in their states in the wake of increasingly active terrorist groups overseas.
Cuomo said the security increases are not linked to a specific threat targeting the New York City region.
"The New York City area has always been a top target for terrorists wishing to spread hatred and fear, and we would be in a state of denial to say that what is going on internationally has not raised that danger," he Cuomo said. "That is why New York and New Jersey are increasing our level of partnership and cooperation - because public safety is paramount and joining together is the best way to defend against any possible dangers. Our residents should rest assured that we are doing everything necessary to keep the region safe."
Christie said that global events of the week "bring the threat into acutely sharp focus."
"We know that our people and assets remain a target in the minds of depraved individuals around the globe, even in the homeland, and we are gravely committed to protecting and defending ourselves against the threat," he said.
Earlier this week, President Obama announced that the U.S. military had targeted an al Qaeda-affiliated group Khorasan with airstrikes. The group, which had begun operating in Syria, was nearing the execution phase of an attack on the U.S. and the west, Pentagon officials said.
Christie and Cuomo signed a bistate memorandum of understanding at 7 World Trade Center Wednesday. They said the move will improve cooperation between their two states' law enforcement agencies. The announcement comes just nine days after they met with national, state and local law enforcement and security heads in New York to begin crafting an improved anti-terrorism plan.
Among the new measures being implemented are more uniformed officers on trains and at transit hubs, as well as increased security at bridges, tunnels and ports in the area.
Christie and Cuomo did not say what the price tag was for the increased security, and said it would remain in place as long as necessary.