Enhanced security measures, including a greater police presence and the use of drones, will be in place for the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Wednesday.
During a news conference, held on the Upper West Side with a backdrop of a Macy’s balloon on West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue, Tisch and Mayor Adams assured the public that there are currently no credible threats targeting the iconic parade. Thousands of NYPD officers are set to be stationed along the entire parade route to ensure safety.
“At this time, we have not identified any specific credible threats directed at the parade,” Tisch stated. “However, as always, New Yorkers can expect to see an increased police presence, with thousands of NYPD officers assigned to the two-and-a-half mile parade route and surrounding areas.”
To bolster security, various NYPD units will be actively involved in patrol efforts. This includes the Emergency Service Unit, as well as canine, aviation, bomb squad, and harbor teams. Authorities also mentioned that NYPD intelligence is closely monitoring social media for any potential threats.
“Our helicopters and drones will be deployed to strengthen our ground patrol operations, and hundreds of NYPD and DSNY blocker vehicles will be strategically placed along the route,” Tisch added.
Additionally, Tisch noted that the department would have a team ready to address any potential demonstrations. This decision follows an incident in 2024, when pro-Palestinian protesters temporarily disrupted the parade, resulting in 25 arrests.
At that time, activists poured onto the parade route on Sixth Ave. at W. 55th St., blocking a Ronald McDonald float about an hour after the beloved parade kicked off. The demonstrators halted the procession path for several minutes.
“This season time is not only fun to exchange gifts but it also plays a major role of the economic stability of this city,” Mayor Adams said. “Tomorrow the weather is going to be mild, we are going to monitor the situation with the balloons if it reaches a level that we cannot have them up, we will communicate with the Macy’s organizers to give them proper information.”
The parade will kick off around 8:30 a.m. and follow a route starting from the corner of West 77th St. and Central Park West and ending at 34th St. in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
Tisch said prohibited items at the parade will include coolers, oversized bags, chairs, drones, umbrellas, strollers, bicycles, pets and any large items that obstruct the view.
The heightened security comes as the NYPD announced the Washington, D.C., shooting of two National Guard soldiers a few blocks away from the White House had no known connection with New York City.
“At this time, we know that at least two national guard members were shot in what appears to be a targeted attack on law enforcement, we are keeping the guards members and their families in our thoughts and prayers,” Tisch said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with our law enforcement partners in D.C.”
