Ahead of the much-anticipated June 9 game between India and Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup, concerns about security at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in Long Island, New York, are being addressed. Security personnel are preparing for potential lone wolf attacks and are taking extensive measures to prevent disruptions. The police presence will be extensive, both on the ground and in the air, with “Nassau County having the tightest security ever seen.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder revealed this security situation to the media on Wednesday morning (Eastern Time).
Blakeman was quoted by CBS News as saying, “Each and every day, Nassau County, as well as other communities, cities, counties, and towns throughout the United States, receive all kinds of threats. We take every threat seriously. To that end, we have taken many precautions, including ensuring the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe, along with the parking areas and watch areas. Additionally, we are adding 100 additional police officers to our normal staffing for the rest of the county as a precaution.”
According to the report, one specific tip-off was about a potential lone wolf attack on the June 9 game, attributed to the police commissioner. Ryder stated, “When you’ve got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium.”
This will be the first time that India and Pakistan will play in New York, and the excitement surrounding the game between the traditional rivals is new to local authorities. The big match even caught the attention of the Governor of New York State, who emphasized that public safety would be her priority.
Fear of lone wolf attack looms over NYPD ahead of India-Pakistan game
“In preparation for the Cricket World Cup, my Administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe. This has included close coordination with the New York State Police Counter Terrorism Unit and New York State Police Troop L, based on Long Island. While there is no credible public safety threat at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely. I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes. Public safety is my top priority, and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience,” said a statement from the office of Kathy Hochul released on Wednesday (May 29) morning.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) stated that it is coordinating with the authorities. “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority, and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” said a spokesperson for the ICC.
Ryder also mentioned the measures being undertaken to ensure safety, including the closure of Eisenhower Park from 6:30 a.m. to roughly 6 p.m., with the police reopening the area once fans leave for the day. Additionally, spectators will have to go through metal detectors to enter the stadium grounds and will not be allowed to carry bags/drones if they are non-VIP ticket-holders. Parking at Eisenhower Park will be limited to VIP ticket holders; others will be able to park near the Nassau Coliseum, which is about a half mile away.