MIDTOWN (WABC) – Police in New York City are working to ensure the public’s safety ahead of the annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting and are warning of street closures.

The NYPD is urging “increased vigilance” during Wednesday night’s tree lighting – the first in a series of events this holiday season that could be an easy target.

The tree lighting is taking place just blocks from the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday morning. However, police believe it was a targeted attack and there is no apparent danger to the public.

Thousands of people will flock to Rockefeller Center for the tree lighting, passing through security checkpoints and barricades at entry points. Senior NYPD officials say the shooting earlier in the day will have no impact on the event and it will go on as planned.

The tree lighting itself requires an already comprehensive plan and a strong police presence.

“Violent extremists and malicious actors may view the holidays as a desirable time to target crowded parades, markets, houses of worship, or other holiday events and gatherings. “Particularly since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October 2023,” the NYPD said in an internal assessment obtained by ABC News.

“In addition, protesters at both this year and last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade attempted to disrupt the event by jumping over barricades at the same location along the route. This year, while individuals crossed their arms and held up a banner as they spoke, a group of people in white jumpsuits sprayed fake blood and tried to tape their hands to the sidewalk.

Protests are possible. During last year’s ceremony, police prevented thousands of protesters from getting within sight of the Rockefeller Center tree. The protesters were climbed onto the tree in front of the New Corp headquarters. south of Rockefeller Center and seven were arrested.

During the tree lighting ceremony, Rockefeller Center is surrounded by security and metal barricades, and anyone not granted permission to enter will be pushed to the sidelines.

The tree lighting ceremony also marks the traditional beginning of the pedestrian mall in the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Movable barriers are used to partially or completely close streets to cars and reduce pedestrian traffic on sidewalks.

West 49th and West 50th Streets between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue are traditionally open to pedestrians only during the busiest times between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.

The following streets will be closed for tree lighting at the discretion of the NYPD:

• 46th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 47th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

• Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 51st Streets

• 6th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street

• 5th Avenue between 46th Street and 52nd Street

• Madison Avenue between 42nd Street and 57th Street

• 6th Avenue between 42nd Street and 57th Street

• 5th Avenue between 42nd Street and 57th Street

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