Although there is no specific threat, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies “remain concerned” that New Year’s celebrations in Times Square on Tuesday could be targeted by people seeking to carry out large protests or acts of violence, it said in a copy of an interagency threat assessment.

The assessment, compiled and prepared each year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, examines the types of threats and potential security concerns at the annual ball drop in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Police Department’s assessment contained in the DHS memo is that the city and the United States at large continue to face “an elevated and dynamic threat environment amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, which may contribute to the emergence of a variety of extremists and malicious groups.” to mobilize actors”. Violence against mass gatherings, iconic locations and high-profile events.”

DHS said its concern about people attempting “simple, straightforward attacks that are difficult to detect in advance” was due to the political climate in the Middle East.

“The Israel-Hamas conflict has created a heightened threat environment; “As such, the intelligence community remains concerned that lone actors are promoting threats of violence against Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Arab communities in response to the ongoing conflict,” the agency said.

Mayor Eric Adams praised his city’s first responders on Monday and said Times Square would be safe for those taking part in the iconic celebrations in 2025.

“We will make sure that everyone who comes here to visit and enjoy the ball drop is safe,” he said. “There will be officers in uniform and without uniform. We will ensure that the blue uniform is ubiquitous.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday that while there were no specific threats to the celebration, police were operating in a “heightened threat environment” and remained “vigilant.”