Cuomo Deploys 1,000 State Cops, National Guard across NYC Metro Region

Additional security has been added to the Hudson Valley and other parts of the New York City Metro Area in the wake of the explosion Saturday in Manhattan caused by an intentionally detonated improvised device that injured at least 29 people

On Sunday, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed the State Police and National Guard to deploy an additional 1,000 uniformed officers out of an abundance of caution to high-profile locations across the state.

Metro-North Railroad customers will see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations.

At the governor’s direction, state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the New York State Police, National Guard, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will remain on a heightened state of alert.

Cuomo also announced that after a rigorous inspection, MTA and PATH train service has been restored and both systems suffered no structural damage. All trains running on the E, F lines will continue to bypass 23rd street station and trains running on the No. 1 line will not stop at 23rd or 28th street stations.

“Protecting the safety of New Yorkers and our state’s visitors is priority number one,” Cuomo said in the announcement after touring the scene. “After thorough inspection, train service has been restored and we continue to work closely with our local and federal partners to monitor the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, we are increasing security at high-profile locations across the city, and all state agencies continue to remain on alert.”

The blast shattered windows, shook buildings, closed subways and blocked buses from their routes.
Police and other emergency workers responded to the scene at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue at about 8:30 p.m.

"When you see the amount of damage, we were really lucky there were no fatalities at the time," Cuomo said Sunday.

Dozens of police officers, firefighters and medical technicians quickly carted the wounded into ambulances and ferried them to nearby hospitals. Cuomo said Sunday morning that all 29 injured had been released from the hospital.

SEE: Chelsea Explosion Latest: 29 People Injured

Law enforcement officials are on alert with the United Nations General Assembly convening Monday. Another pipe bomb explosion occurred earlier Saturday in New Jersey. NYPD officials said they don't believe the two are connected.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The MTA has increased its patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its agencies. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence, and police canine teams and emergency service units will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security. Railroad customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations.

Behind the scenes, the MTA Police Department, MTA New York City Transit security and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their response with other police and security agencies to ensure a seamless web of protection throughout the region. Detectives are monitoring and disseminating intelligence information as needed.

PATH

As previously announced, PATH service to 23rd Street and 6th Avenue has been suspended for the weekend to allow work to continue on the tunnels. Work crews were in the uptown tunnel on Saturday evening, and the tunnels have been determined safe for passenger service at this time. PATH service to 23rd Street will resume at 5:00 a.m. on Monday. The Port Authority Police Department has increased high-visibility patrols at all Port Authority facilities.

"If You See Something, Say Something"

New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the Counter Terrorism Center at the New York State Intelligence Center via its terrorism tip line: 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697); or by email: ctcenter@nysic.ny.gov.

Photo: Gov. Cuomo's tour/ NY Governor's Office

Patch Editor Colin Miner contributed to this report.