Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Governor of New York George Pataki and Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg at a Press Conference Regarding Security at the Republican National Convention

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact 202-282-8010
New York
August 25, 2004

Fact Sheet: Homeland Security Partners with Local and State Agencies to
Protect Republican National Convention

Mayor Bloomberg:  Good afternoon.  Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Governor Pataki and I have just received an updated briefing on the security arrangements for the Republican National Convention, which will hold its first session five days from today.  These measures, I believe, continue to strike the right balance between taking necessary precautions without unduly inconveniencing New Yorkers.

Our preparations have been thorough and measured, and I am completely confident in the excellent planning and training carried out by the NYPD and its state and federal partners, and especially the U.S. Secret Service.

In fact, today, we have seen many of the elements of that preparation really coming together.  For example, we toured the Multi-Agency Control Center, or MACC, which is staffed by representatives of all of the agencies with Convention-related security responsibilities.  It began operating on a round-the-clock basis a few days ago.  It has, for example, begun receiving live video feeds from inside Madison Square Garden, and the briefings presented by the Coast Guard and others demonstrate that New York City is being well protected on land, at sea, and in the air.

Earlier this week, we also saw the deployment of police officers in the area around Madison Square Garden.  That deployment, like some of the other security measures, will be instituted as the Convention nears.  It's intended to be highly visible.  For the same reason, New Yorkers will also see patrols by the NYPD's Hercules teams at sensitive locations and landmarks.

Other elements of the Convention's security plan will be less visible, but just as important.  There will also be robust security measures implemented near the Convention site, such as the installation of car-stopping delta barriers in the area and high-tech vehicle scanning equipment.

Working together, the host committee, the NYPD, and various city agencies have also done extensive outreach to businesses and residents around Madison Square Garden to minimize disruption to their activities.  We have been and will continue to be sensitive to the impact the Convention will have on the immediate area.

Inevitably, there will be some impact on the surrounding neighborhoods from the Convention and the protests that will accompany it.  But we are confident that they will be minor and be more than offset by the positive effects of the Convention, especially the economic benefits to the entire city.  

The Convention security plan has been designed to ensure that delegates and visitors are safe, that the right to peaceful protest is protected, and that the eight million people of New York City can simultaneously go about their lives.

During Convention week, there will also be a large number of other well-attended public events that the NYPD will be protecting.  Both the Mets and the Yankees will be playing home stands.  The New York Liberty is playing.  The U.S. Tennis Open will be in full swing.  There will be a half-marathon in Central Park on Sunday.  There will be celebrations in Brooklyn as part of the run-up to the annual Caribbean Day Parade on Labor Day.

That variety and excitement are what make New York the world's second home.  Providing security at all those events will be all in a work week for the men and women of the best police force on earth, the NYPD.

Let me stress that the police will also continue to do their usual superb work in keeping New Yorkers in all five boroughs safe in their homes, in our neighborhoods, and on the subways, as we go about the daily lives during Convention week.  New York is the safest big city in the nation, and there will be no letup in law enforcement anywhere in this city.

Finally, I want to ask New Yorkers to remember that whatever our political affiliations or views, a national political convention, where a party nominates its candidate for the presidency, is a fundamental part of our electoral system.  We all have a vested interest in making sure that New York City is a good host.  That's why, for the past 18 months, the police department has been planning the appropriate security arrangements for this event.  We will have 10,000 of our finest out on the streets protecting not only this city, but our democracy.  This will enable our city to stay open, functioning, safe and efficient to those who work, study, shop or just come to our city to enjoy.

Let me summarize.  We are not closing down.  We will be safe.  We will enforce the laws of our land.  The eyes of the world will be on us.  We have a unique opportunity to tell New York's story of openness, tolerance, inclusiveness and hospitality.  New Yorkers and all our guests, I know understand the need to protect the rights of everyone, those who wish to speak and those who don't.

Let me now turn the podium over to our partner, the great Governor of the State of New York, George Pataki.

Governor Pataki: Thank you, Mayor.  

Secretary Ridge:  Those were great remarks, Mayor.

Governor Pataki: Thank you, Mayor, and let me just say a few words.  First, Mayor, thank you for the job that you and Commissioner Kelly are doing.  As has been said time and again, no city has a finer police department, no city has a finer emergency management office and no city has done more to prepare.

I just want to say a few words, and that is, quite simply, I am very much looking forward to next week.  It is going to be an exciting week for all the right reasons.  We're going to hear people talk about their vision and their ideas for America, and we're going to see the American political process at its best, where people from across the country come here to nominate a candidate for the presidency of this country.

I've had people, as I've been around the country, say, "Should I come here the week of the Convention?"  The answer is, unequivocally, yes.  I will be here, my wife Libby will be here, our kids are going to be here as much as they can, consistent with their school schedules, because this is the safest large city in America, and next week, it will be as safe as any place in America can possibly be.

In addition to thanking the Mayor, I have to thank Secretary Ridge.  I can tell you that I have seen a level of coordination, a level of cooperation, a commitment and planning for this Convention and for the security of this city next week, better than anything I've ever seen before.

The Federal Secret Service, along with the New York's Police Department, our New York City Police Department, are co-heads of security, and they are ready, they are prepared, and they are the best there is.  

I would be remiss if I didn't thank our state forces for what they're doing as well, because cooperation exists at all level:  federal government, state government, city government.  We're sharing security efforts with the states of Connecticut and New Jersey, who will be helping as well.  And I just want to thank the men and women of our National Guard, the New York state police, and all the many other state agencies that will be working with the city and with the federal officials to make sure that next week is the exciting week that it should be.

Congratulations to all of you on the job and the planning that has come to fruition thus far.  And let me now just turn the podium over to Secretary Ridge, who has done an outstanding job working to protect America from those who would harm us.

Secretary Ridge.

Secretary Ridge: Thanks, Governor.  Thank you.  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  One of the hallmarks of our democratic process will obviously take place at Madison Square Garden next week when this great city hosts the Republican National Convention.  And all of us, the federal government, local government, state government want to make absolutely certain that we are as prepared as possible to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone involved.

This morning, Governor Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg, Commissioner Kelly and several of us received a briefing about the comprehensive security measures that are being put in place.  The briefing gave us an account of the immense resources, as well as the very meticulous preparations that have been put in place to ensure the safety of the citizens of New York City, and the well-being of all Convention participants.  It is fitting that I speak with you today about security for the Convention with our partners, Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki.

The city and the state, as well as many agencies and thousands of individuals, have come together in partnership to provide an unprecedented, comprehensive level of security to protect this great city and the Convention.  For more than a year -- some of the planning actually began nearly 18 months ago -- the Department of Homeland Security's United States Secret Service, in full coordination and cooperation with the city, state, federal and private sector partners, have led the design and implementation of all of the security planning.  They've conducted comprehensive security assessments of all Convention venues, and they have coordinated multiple interagency training exercises to fine tune these security procedures.

And additionally, the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the FBI, other Homeland Security component agencies, and nearly a dozen other federal agencies have been fully engaged in these security efforts.  

Of course, due to the sensitive nature of security operations, many of these details will remain classified.  However, New Yorkers and Convention participants should know that we have put a tremendous amount of advance planning and coordination into the areas of venue protection, air space security, communications, emergency equipment, credentialing and training.  Additionally, we will patrol the harbor and surrounding waters and provide blanket security coverage along the waterways.  

Some of you saw us reviewing some of the equipment and the technology we have available to us during this Convention, to include mobile command vehicles positioned at strategic locations to coordinate communication across multiple law enforcement agencies.  We will have 24-7 surveillance of key Convention facilities, as well as portable x-ray equipment to examine packages, commercial vehicles and delivery trucks entering these areas.  We will deploy trained Homeland Security personnel to augment the extraordinary work of the local law enforcement.  We will utilize canine bomb teams.  We will increase security at hotels to protect both the building and the ventilation systems, and we will monitor and protect key transportation systems.

Now, in addition to all this technology and the additional security professionals, the vigilance of the local law enforcement, fire personnel, private businesses, hospital workers, state and local government officials, and New York citizens, is always critical.  Very important during this time, in spite of all the precautions that we've taken, the security measures that we've developed, that the individual citizen remains as vigilant as possible as well.

Convention attendees and residents of this great city have an integral role to play in its security, in the security of this very important democratic symbol.  The intelligence information we shared earlier this month about possible specific targets in New York, in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., reminds us of how much our vigilance matters, and if you see suspicious items or activities, report them to the authorities immediately.

Our goal is that any attempt on the part of terrorists to attack us will be frustrated and repelled by multiple layers of security that they will encounter all around the city; for that matter, all around the region.

And based on what I've seen and heard today, I can tell you that the security plans are strong and comprehensive and as well coordinated as any that we've had around any event.  Federal, state and local officials are working hard, and they're working together around the clock to ensure that absolutely nothing is left to chance.  We are prepared.  

New York, tragically, is too familiar with the dark destruction of al-Qaeda, and New Yorkers, as well as Convention participants, are resolved to never see that horror in this city or any city again.  And they are equally committed and equally resolved to go forward with an event that so deeply reflects our democratic ideals.

Democracy is the very heart of our national character.  But we will not give away to the enemies who would strike at the core of who we are and how we elect our leaders.

And finally, on a personal note, I just want to say that much credit has been given, and appropriately given, to all the planners associated with the developing the comprehensive plan that we have, but we started with an extraordinary foundation of nearly 40,000 men and women that comprise the New York City Police Department.  

When the Mayor says it -- you would expect the Mayor to say it -- he's got the best, most talented, best trained police force in the world, but I'll tell you, our experience with these men and women during the past 18 months has given us the confidence, and, I think, frankly, expanded our ability to add levels and layers of security that will go to doing -- to reaching the two objectives that the Mayor pointed out.

We want to make sure that this city continues to thrive and to operate, and that people come to this great city enjoy the theaters and the night clubs and all the wonderful and wondrous things associated with a visit and a trip to New York City, and at the same time, provide the adequate level of security to this great tradition of a democratic process and that of having a -- hosting a national Convention.

And because of the extraordinary work with this great police force, this Mayor, the Commissioner, the commitment of the Governor, the state police, the National Guard; you add on top of that several thousand personnel from a variety of federal agencies, technology, people not only in this city and this state, but in Connecticut, New Jersey that can help us as well, this city is secure, it's safe, and we hope the visitors and the community enjoy the terrific week that lays ahead of them.  Thank you very much.

Governor Pataki: Thank you, sir.

Secretary Ridge:  All right.

Question: Mr. Secretary, I'm just wondering, a comment made by Speaker of the House that New York was trying to get more money of -- from 9/11 funding.

Secretary Ridge:  Yes.

Question: :  What your comment about that?  That sound like when Jerry Ford was President and say, New York drop dead.  What are you doing about that to provide more funding for New York?

Secretary Ridge:  New York should get more money, and if the Congress, with the support of the Speaker, adjust the funding, as the President has requested in the '05 -- '05 budget, they will be assured of getting more money.  New York has received almost twice as much money as any other city in the country, and deserves to receive more than any other city in the country.  And the President, through our office, has tried to readjust the dollars allocated for national security, and if the Congress would follow the President's lead and follow that reallocation, New York City would be in receipt of even more money in the future than they've received in the past.

To date, it's about $450 million.  In aggregate with the city -- with the state, I think it's about $675 million.  But we believe, the President believes, that more dollars ought to be associated, or given to those communities where the population is higher, more dense, where there's more critical infrastructure or the risk is greater.  That means New York City is at the top of the list.

So we agree, hopefully with the Speaker, and I'm confident we'll do everything that we can to see that the President's budget is embraced.  That way, New York City ends up getting more money in the future.  Yes.

Question: (Off-mike) -- the Governor gave New York City $50 million to spend on security for the Convention.  Do you think that the city and state spent the money well?

Secretary Ridge:  Well, I'm glad you pointed that out.  I should have probably mentioned that when the gentleman asked me the question.  There were two individual appropriations of $25 million each to the city for enhanced security, and everywhere I turn, I see more people, better technology, integration of resources.  Listen, this is a city that knows how to provide security, and this is a city, with your Commissioner, who knows how to spend those dollars prudently and effectively.

So I have -- there's no doubt in my mind that the $50 million that this city received is spent well and wisely.  And by the way, I suspect they probably made some acquisitions to help us with the Convention security that might help them longer term.  But there's no doubt in our mind that if we did an audit, they've done it, they've spent it well and wisely.

Yes.  Yes, ma'am.

Question:  Could you comment on the Russian plane crashes, whether you -- what you're hearing, where there are implications for U.S. travelers (inaudible) this Convention?

Secretary Ridge: Well, you can well imagine that we continue to monitor the situation closely, and are in virtual contact with the Russian Government through all the appropriate sources.  What we have learned, according to them, is that they have recovered already the two black boxes associated with both aircraft.  They have -- obviously, it's far too early to determine causation.  We've also volunteered, if there are -- if there's forensic capability that we have in any of our agencies, if the National Transportation Safety Board can be of any assistance to them, obviously any resources we have that can help them determine causation, we've made the offer.  It's up to them to determine whether they accept it.  

Question: (Inaudible.)

Secretary Ridge: Well, no, we have not yet.  But we know that from the curb to the cockpit we have layered in significant levels of security.  That's been in existence for quite some time with the baggage screeners and the technology and the hardened cockpit doors and the federal air marshals and the like.  But, again, there may be some lessons we learn from these tragedies and we may very well have to apply them.  And in fact, TSA has begun looking at other potential security enhancements that might result from whatever we learn from the Russian incident.

Yes.

Question:  Question for Governor Pataki.  Question.  Governor, were you surprised to see Speaker Hastert describe New York seeking aid an "unseemly scramble"?  We're you upset by that?

Governor Pataki: I haven't seen his comments.  I haven't seen his book.  But I do know, and I can tell you unequivocally, that I spoke with Speaker Hastert shortly after September 11th, and he was very supportive of our effort to get $20 billion, and with the President's leadership and the Speaker's support, we now have a commitment in excess of $20 billion, and I'm confident we're going to get that.  And I can say, I think in all sincerity, it wouldn't have been as easy, but for Speaker Hastert's being in there and pitching to help the people of New York.

Question: (Inaudible.)

Governor Pataki: I haven't read his book.  You'll have to ask the Speaker that.  

Question: (Off-mike) -- Secretary Ridge, what do you say to the New Yorkers who might get frustrated with the extra security and may, inappropriately, be wise to police officers?

Mayor Bloomberg:  I think New Yorkers look forward to having extra security in this day and age.  We've come to realize that it's a dangerous world.  If you lived in other major cities around the world, you would have gotten used to enhanced police protection on the streets, with high-powered weapons on every corner and every -- walking around airports with dogs and machine guns.  We, fortunately, in the United States didn't have to worry about that until, tragically, along comes 9/11, and we realize that those oceans aren't as big as we thought they were.

I think New Yorkers appreciate the enhanced police protection.  There's no evidence that anybody is staying away from New York.  We're having record use of our hotels by American tourists.  We remain the number one destination city for European tourists.  It should give you comfort.  And I am convinced that next week you are going to see, clearly, some people protest, some people maybe even get a little bit over the top.  I think we all have to understand that this is our city and outsiders have a right to come here.  We welcome them here.  We want them to come and speak their minds.  

We don't think anybody, whether you live here or live anyplace else, has a right to take away anybody else's freedoms, and so you have to act within the law.  And having the NYPD out there is going to ensure that.  And I think next week -- it's typically a very quiet week in the economy -- this business that we get from this convention will help the economy.  But the most important thing is that on television you see New Yorkers behaving in a way that says to people around the world, come to New York for your education, for your medical help, for fun, to live, to build a better life.  It is the jobs of the people in all five boroughs going forward that really are at stake here.  And I think this is a wonderful opportunity for New Yorkers to show that we really are open and inclusive.

Our crime rate continues to come down.  We've done very well in getting big events coming here.  We behaved ourselves and we did a better job, I think, than any other city could have.  You remember the World Economic Forum and all of these events, one after another.  And just take a look -- I tried to list some of the things that are going on in the next week.  And you're going to have a wonderful time here in New York City, and be safe.

Yes, all the way in the back -- miss.  Yes, your turn right -- yes.

Question:  A question for Secretary Ridge.  I want to know if there was any plan, with the color threat warning -- is that going to be phased out, or -- and how about New York's level, do you anticipate that it will be raised next week, given that there are so many activities going on?

Secretary Ridge:  No.  The present national level is an elevated level, so on the color system it is Yellow.  You know several weeks ago we did raise it, particularly referencing the financial services community in three regions.  The system, the National Threat Warning System, was designed so that if our intelligence was specific enough and credible enough, we could raise the threat level either on a sector of the economy, or in a particular location, that way avoiding the very labor-intensive and very expensive need to go up nationally.  We were able to do that.  

We've been in very close communication on a day-to-day basis with the financial service sector, which, again, given its role within the economy, always had an elevated level of security associated just with the kind of business it's in.  And coupled with that, with information that we received, have enhanced security working with the city and working with the Commissioner in all three regions, have made some adjustments to travel around these buildings.  

So we're comfortable where the threat level is nationally.  We're comfortable keeping it limited to the financial services sector in New York City presently, and we review the intelligence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Twice a day, the intelligence professionals get together to review it, with an eye toward should we even think about there being another change.  Based on what we know today, there is no reason to expect a change.  Period.

Mayor Bloomberg:  The city has stayed at Orange since 9/11, and plans to remain at Orange.  We see no need to change.  Clearly, when there is a bigger event here, we have more protection.  And we're going to have a lot of events.

Sir.

Question: For Secretary Ridge or Police Commissioner Kelly, about this increased warning from several weeks ago with the Wall Street institutions, there's been talk about these computer files and information.  Has any new information been learned about time, place, and manner, additional locations?  And also, if Mr. Shukrijumah a suspect with al-Qaeda, was in New York actually scouting out these buildings, as well -- what information can you tell us about that terror plot?  

Secretary Ridge: I'll go -- I'll go first.  First of all, there is no information today about the time and place and manner.  Clearly, a surveillance tape.  You should also know that there is still considerable work to be done because of the volume of expected information we're going to get from these sources, from the hard drives.  So, we've begun that whole process, and if there is something relevant and actionable, not only would the Commissioner know it and the Mayor know it and the Governor know it, but people in the financial services industry would know it as well.

Let me say one thing about not only the financial service sector, but how New York has responded since 9/11.  I had the opportunity to ring the bell this morning at the New York Stock Exchange.  Three to four thousand men and women go to work there every day.  They went back to work shortly after 9/11.  The day after we raised the level of threat on the financial service sector, and noted that New York Stock Exchange was one of the locations that were cited, they had a higher level of participation and attendance that day -- because it's a slow time in August.  

So it's pretty clear to me that when we share this information with this community in the appropriate way, the community, legitimately anxious about it, is prepared, and I think, in a very robust security way, but also in a defiant way, not to let the threats keep these men and women off the floor of the stock exchange and not let the threats keep the men and women who enjoy this great city as their hometown from living here and thriving here.

So we have no specific information.  When we can get it and distribute it and act upon it, we can.  And we've seen a very -- I think a very positive, strong response from this community when we do.

Mayor Bloomberg:  Miss?

Question: What's the plan, if there is just going to be a march for UFPJ, what's the plan to disperse the crowd following the march, and what's the plan if people just spontaneously go to the park?

Mayor Bloomberg: Well, people have a right to go to a park.  Central Park has, on Sunday, a quarter of a million people there enjoying themselves.  There's a half-marathon in the park this Sunday.  There are ball games.  There are a lot of people who enjoy themselves, and I would encourage people who come to New York to not just use Central Park, but we have an enormous number of parks throughout all five boroughs and they should enjoy all of them.  

I have not heard what the judge has ruled today.  I don't know if she's made her decision yet.  But we'll comply with the law, whatever it is, and we expect everybody to comply with the law, not just New York City, but anybody that's here.  This is a law-abiding town, and whatever the judge says is the way we'll -- we'll take one more question from somebody that didn't have a question before.

Yes, miss.

Question:  Can you give an estimate on the manpower and the budgetary impact of the Convention, please?

Mayor Bloomberg:  Well, there's two parts of the budgetary impact, as you say, of the Convention.  There is the cost of the Convention itself.  I'd said that we -- I thought we could raise money privately so the city wouldn't have to pay.  The way conventions work is cities commit to fund the conventions, it's a very competitive thing, and then you have the ability to go out and raise money privately.  We're almost at the stage where I can say that we raised all the money privately to pay for the Convention and the taxpayers of the city will not have to come up with any monies for that.  And since all the money that's spent here -- that's raised is spent in the city, it's a very good economic deal for the city.  

Then, of course, you have the economic impact of people coming to the city, staying in hotels -- all of that's extra -- going out during the day and patronizing our stores and going to our cultural institutions.  There's the protestors, there's the delegates, there's the press.  And we have on a normal day a million visitors in this city, and they'll be here.  It's great weather, it's a great time of the year.

Then there's the security component.  We originally made an estimate of the cost of security pre-Madrid in a very different world.  Clearly, it is going to cost us many times that, but we also, since then, have gotten $50 million, as Secretary Ridge pointed out, from the federal government to help defray the cost.  And it's still too early to tell, but my -- the latest estimate I had, as of yesterday, is that the cost to the city in taxpayer dollars will be less than what we had projected when we first were awarded the Convention.  It would be in the border magnitude of $15 million; we had projected $25 million.  That's really the only expense the city will have and maybe it will even come in a touch less.  It all depends on what happens and how much overtime we need.

But I think the first and most important thing is, you can rest assured this city is not going to look at the budgetary implications of security first.  We're going to provide the security that people need, and then we'll figure out a way to pay for it.

On balance, this Convention will be a very good economic thing for this city, and let me reiterate, it will be a unique opportunity for us to tell people throughout the country and around the world that New York is a great place to come.

So the impact on this city and on jobs in this city in all five boroughs is much greater than just what happens during the next week or so.  It goes on for years.  People set a vision in their mind of whether New York is a place they want to go, a place where they want to have their events.  

There are people in Athens who will be watching us.  There are people that have commercial conventions that we desperately need for jobs in this city.  They'll be looking at how we deport ourselves.  

And I think you're going to see a week where, you know, there will be a few minor disruptions, there will be a few minor inconveniences, but on balance, my suggestion is when the Yankee game gets out, don't use the Major Deegan.  When the Mets game gets out, don't use the Grand Central.  When the tennis is in session, you're going to have a tough time finding a place to park out there, but you're going to see tennis like it's played no place else in the world.  The Liberty is playing.  This is going to be a wonderful city.  

All our museums are open, all our restaurants are open.  If each of you wants to try a different restaurant, we have 18,700 restaurants, roughly, in the five boroughs, so you're not likely to run into somebody else.  If you just take a couple of your friends, you'll have plenty of privacy.  Enjoy and thank you.

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