Port Authority ‘Steps Up’ Security After Manchester Terror Attack

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has “stepped up” security efforts in the wake of a terror attack in Manchester, England that killed at least 22 people, authorities say.

British police identified the man responsible for killing at least 22 people — including an unspecified number of children Monday — night as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who set off an improvised explosive device outside a crowded music arena in Manchester, England, taking his own life in the process. American pop artist Ariana Grande was performing at the venue as part of her "Dangerous Woman" tour.

• See related article: Manchester Bombing Suspect Identified as Death Toll Climbs to 22

Port Authority officials issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Following yesterday’s tragic terrorism attack in Manchester, England, the Port Authority Police Department has stepped up security at all of the agency’s transportation facilities in New York and New Jersey and the World Trade Center. The actions include increased counter security efforts, such as random bag and vehicle checks, the deployment of special weapons units, as well as the assignment of additional security personnel and equipment at our bridges, tunnels, airports, PATH rail and other holdings.”

Port Authority-maintained facilities include the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel, the PATH system and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, as well as JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports.

The Port Authority has announced similar escalated security efforts in the wake of other recent terror attacks, including after an attack in Brussels in March of 2016, when the agency added "high visibility anti-terrrorist patrols" to the PATH system and the World Trade Center.

• See related article: New Jersey Anti-Terrorism Security Tightens After Brussels Attack

Main Photo: Port Authority of NY/NJ