Security and public security officers are “laser-focused” on guaranteeing Monday’s 26.2-mile Boston Marathon is an gratifying expertise for all concerned.
Federal, state and native officers instructed reporters Thursday they aren’t conscious of “any specific or credible threats” to the 127th working, however they’re urging the general public to stay vigilant.
“I can assure you that all of the law enforcement agencies standing before you today have become better, stronger and much more tightly connected because of (the 2013 tragedy),” mentioned Joe Bonavolonta, the FBI’s particular agent in cost for the Boston discipline workplace.
Bonavolonta highlighted how FBI particular brokers and process power officers assigned to the FBI Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force will probably be built-in in “all aspects of the marathon route.” They will probably be embedded inside command posts, supporting the Joint Intelligence Center in Chelsea and monitoring any threats, he mentioned.
“The greatest threat we face are lone actors who radicalize online and look to attack what they deem to be soft targets with easily accessible weapons and little to no warning,” Bonavolonta added.
Officials are asking spectators to pay attention to their environment, guarantee their cellphone is ready as much as obtain emergency and public security notifications and to say one thing in the event that they see something suspicious.
Areas alongside the course can have enhanced safety procedures, together with checkpoints and bag checks. Spectators will not be allowed to deliver drones and are urged to take photographs from floor degree.
The State Police Air Wing and Drone Unit will present overwatch alongside the route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. There will probably be a big presence of undercover officers in a joint intelligence operation, state Police Lt. Col. Mark Cyr mentioned.
“First and foremost, this year our thoughts, as they have been every year since 2013, are with the victims of the terrorist attack on this event and the violent aftermath several days later,” Cyr mentioned. “Our work is inspired by those tragically lost, by the resilience of the many survivors who endured traumatic and life-altering injuries.”
Thinking about heading into town for race festivities over the weekend and Monday? Don’t drive, take public transportation, officers say. Many streets will probably be blocked off for car visitors.
“The MBTA is in a good position to handle these large volumes of people,” MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green mentioned. “There might be some slow zones, but the T is working feverishly to rectify that problem.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”