New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the city is safe for commemorative ceremonies on September 11. In New York, the Mayor is also confident of security measures for hosting other events on or around the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks, including the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, an historic September 6 meeting of Congress and even a kickoff celebration in Times Square for the National Football League.
Mayor Bloomberg says New York is the safest big city in the world and he has no qualms about safety on and around September 11.
As the city prepares for ceremonies commemorating the terrorist attacks on the nation, the Mayor recalls the events New York has safely hosted since 9/11. "We've held a marathon, a World Series, a Macy's Day Parade, the Times Square celebration at New Year's, which included my inauguration. We held a World Economic Forum," he said.
Speaking at a news conference, the Mayor said the events planned on and around September 11 should be no different and that people should behave normally, whether they take part in the ceremonies or not. "Not only will you be safe, not only will you continue to be able to express yourselves, but most people will go to work, and go to school, and enjoy entertainment, and lead normal lives," said Mayor Bloomberg.
The mayor says New York City is "blessed with the world's greatest police department." He adds the police are focusing on intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism measures and that the department will not let its guard down for a second. "We are going to host all these events, do it safely and everybody is going to go on with their lives," he said.
The Mayor says New Yorkers will be free to express themselves, as they always do, on September 11 as long as they do not impinge on the freedoms of others.