'These threats are real, these are deadly serious,' NYPD says as federal funding cut for counterterrorism
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says New York City will remain under a heightened alert for the foreseeable future as the department faces federal funding cuts for their counterterrorism operations.
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NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says New York City will remain under a heightened alert for the foreseeable future as the department faces federal funding cuts for their counterterrorism operations.
"These threats are real, these are deadly serious and we must be prepared," Jessica Tisch, the NYPD Commissioner said.
During a budget oversight hearing on Wednesday, the Commissioner revealed that the Trump administration is cutting millions in counterterrorism funding. The NYPD's Homeland Security funding grant is estimated to be cut by $36 million, roughly 40% from 2024, according to Tisch.
Additionally, she says the department is not receiving any funding tied to the Port Security Grant Program which has averaged the NYPD more than $6 million.
"We cannot overstate the gravity of this, this is not bureaucratic, it is a direct threat to the NYPD's ability to maintain and enhance critical intelligence and counterterrorism operations in New York City, the most visible terror target in the United States. People are alive today because of these grants," said Tisch.
The commissioner says because of how the grants are distributed, the funding gap is not a problem today but if it goes unaddressed it will be a profound problem two years from now.
"I will not stop pressing this issue until the federal government restores the funding," said Tisch.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin says she will work with the department to restore funding.
News 12 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration.
