NYPD Commissioner Prepares for Busy Week With Pope Francis's Visit
Francis has several events scheduled in Manhattan.
— -- The New York City police commissioner said he has never seen a security challenge quite like the one facing the city this week as a slew of high-profile events -- including Pope Francis's visit, the start of the United Nations General Assembly, and the presence of President Obama -- take place.
New York Police Commissioner William Bratton said as of last Thursday, there were “no specifically identified threats directed against any of these events.” Pope Francis, who arrives in New York City on Thursday and has events scheduled throughout Manhattan, has developed a reputation for being particularly interactive with crowds, which presents a unique challenge when it comes to protecting him.
But Bratton said the team protecting the pontiff is prepared.
“We will benefit from the many experiences we've watched closely as he's traveled around the world,” he said.