NEW YORK – The head of the New York Police Department, Terence Monahan, assured that the security body “is ready to respond to any type of incident” in the days after Tuesday’s elections in the United States.
“The NYPD is fully prepared to protect everyone’s right to vote on Election Day … And in the days that follow, we will have additional officers ready to respond to any type of incident.” Monahan said in a video message released by her department.
Both political personalities from the Republican and Democratic Parties have expressed their fear of altercations after election day, and have accused their opponents of not being willing to acknowledge the result of the elections in which President Donald Trump, behind in the polls, he seeks his re-election.
Several iconic New York shops and buildings, such as the Empire State Building in downtown Manhattan, have covered their windows with wooden planks for fear of unleashing protests such as those that occurred in late May and early June, when they were dozens of businesses looted in the context of protests that broke out denouncing police violence after the murder of George Floyd.
“What happened in late May and early June is something that, hopefully, only happens once in the life of the city,” said the police officer.
Monahan added that the police force has since improved its ability to gather information as well as how to respond to these types of situations.
He also assured that they have identified the people who “want to cause damage and destruction” and who are waiting for them.
The officer also asked the peaceful protesters that in case of protests they try to prevent them from turning violent.
“When you see that there are people who try to turn the protest into which you are violent, tell them that they are not going to take your movement, that they do not speak for you,” said Monahan, adding that if things “start to get ugly it is the time to go. “
“If you are a peaceful protester, separate yourself from those who want to cause damage and destruction, we will take care of them,” he concluded.
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