Ahead of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and in the wake of the deadly incident on the Rainbow Bridge at the U.S.-Canada border crossing, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said on Wednesday that there are no credible threats at this time to New York City.

What You Need To Know

  • The NYPD said officials will be on high-alert for possible security threats

  • As security remains top of mind, officials said there are no credible threats to the parade

  • The NYPD also said large backpacks and bags, chairs, umbrellas, drones, alcohol and e-cigarettes are prohibited

The briefing was held ahead of the anticipated 97th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which usually expects thousands of New Yorkers and visitors across the world.

“We can tell you there are no credible or specific threats to New York City or to tomorrow’s parade at this time,” Caban said.

The police commissioner said the department has been preparing for the parade all year long.

“There will be security measures that you will see, like uniformed officers that will be on post on and around the parade route, and there will be other measures that you won’t see,” he said.

According to Caban, the NYPD has been on high alert since Oct. 7, when the Israel-Hamas war began.

Adams said the NYPD was closely monitoring the situation at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, though he said there did not appear to be “any nexus” between that incident and anything in New York City.

At an unrelated briefing, Gov. Kathy Hochul said that that incident was not a terrorist attack on New York.

"Let me repeat that: At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack here at the Rainbow Bridge in Western New York,” she said.

Adams encouraged people to enjoy the holiday in New York City.

“So we’re saying come out, enjoy yourselves. We will do our jobs. Your job is to have as much fun as possible,” he said.

Wednesday was one of the final dance practices Lauren Herrmann had with the dance troop Spirit of America before she performs along the parade route.

“It’s kind of surreal. It’s exciting to see what everyone sees on TV, but you’re actually there in person,” Herrmann said.

Herrmann and her parents, Brad and Adrienne, were taking in the sites of Herald Square before she walks in Thursday’s festivities.

“I’m surprised of the enormity of it. I was unaware of the length. They’re coming from the Upper West Side, all the way down here,” Brad said.

Herrmann said the dance troop has developed a security protocol in case anything happens.

“If the music stops or they tell you to go, we have lines, so everyone smooshes back into your line and proceeds to where the chaperones tell you where to go, so they have people who have flags that tell you where to go,” Herrmann said.

The Herrmann family said despite possible safety concerns, they’re in the city to have fun, and won’t let fear interrupt enjoying the parade experience.