Will Times Square Van Bomb Scare Keep Revelers Away on New Year's Eve?

Times Square was closed for two hours on Wednesday, due to a bomb scare. CNN reports that a bomb was not found in the white van parked on Times Square. With Times Square's famous New Year's Eve party to be held the day after, potential partiers may be worried about the possibility of a terrorist threat.

Times Square Van Bomb Scare Reactions Could Vary

According to the Times Square Alliance, hundreds of thousands of people invade Times Square on New Year's Eve each year. The Times Square van bomb threat may be the deciding factor that keeps some revelers away. Terrorism is not far from people's minds, after the Christmas Day bomb scare in Detroit. It can weigh even heavier on the minds of a post 9/11 New York City.

Without being able to carry alcohol to fortify their nerves, it will be interesting to see if some people skip the Times Square New Year's celebration. Perhaps nearby restaurants will have an even greater spike in alcohol consumption, as people overcome bomb threat and terrorism fears. There are also those partiers who are impossible to scare into missing being at Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Either way, those who are wanting reassurance will be wanting to know what security measures are being taken to keep people safe.

Authorities Taking Measures to Keep Times Square Safe

According to the New York Times, thousands of police officers will be on hand to protect Time's Square New Year's Eve celebrators. New York is already considered a prime terrorist target so, even before the Times Square bomb scare, authorities have been planning for that contingency. The F.B.I. will be manning a command center, coordinating and sharing information with NYPD and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Backpacks, large bags and alcohol will not be allowed. Police will be equipped with bomb and radiation detecting equipment. Patrolling trucks and helicopters will have the same capabilities. The air will also be checked for chemical and biological weapons.

Streets to Times Square will be blocked with barriers and police cars on New Year's Eve. Certain subway tunnels will also be shut down. No suspicious vans will be gaining access to Times Square on New Year's Eve.

So is there a possibility of a bomb or terrorist attack in Times Square on New Year's Eve? Yes, but not exactly due to Wednesday's bomb threat. It's just the reality of the times and New York City. Should you worry too much about it? No. If you are truly afraid of an attack, stay home, without shame. It's understandable. Just know that law enforcement feel totally equipped to protect those venturing to Times Square to boldly ring in a new year.

Sources:

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_history.html

Extra Security in Times Square for New Year's Eve, Al Baker, New York Times

Times Square gets all-clear after van investigation, CNN.com