After Turkey Attack, NYPD to Step Up Security Over Fourth of July Weekend

Pictured: Bill Bratton speaking Wednesday at a press conference in Brooklyn. Photo by John V. Santore.

BROOKLYN, NY — Police commissioner Bill Bratton said Wednesday that the NYPD will increase its security at upcoming Fourth of July events following Tuesday's deadly attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport in Turkey.

The assault, carried out by three attackers armed with guns and suicide vests, killed at least 41 people and injured 147, according to initial reports.

Want more New York City news? Sign up for Patch’s free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Bratton said the NYPD sent two detectives to Turkey to investigate the incident, adding that his department has close relations with Turkish police forces.

The commissioner said the NYPD's counter-terrorism forces, including its 800-member Strategic Response Group, will be active during the city's major July 4 events.

"In addition to crowd management," Bratton said, "terrorism-related concerns have to come to the forefront" of the NYPD's focus during such gatherings.

Bratton said there was much to learn from the Turkish attack, including whether it was coordinated or inspired by the militant group ISIS, and whether the attackers harmed the majority of their victims using bombs or guns.