‘No specific or credible threat’ to Boston’s Fourth of July celebration, State Police say
Public safety officials discussed security measures ahead of the Boston’s Fourth of July celebration on the Charles River Esplanade.
Speaking at a news conference Monday morning, Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason said there is “no specific or credible threat” to the event. In the hours since, State Police said they are monitoring the situation out of Illinois, where at least six people were killed and several others were injured in a shooting at a Fourth of July parade.
“When we formulated the operations plan for this event (a process that takes months) we assess all possible threats and contingencies and develop plans to counter them. So our security plan already includes measures that would be relevant to that type of threat,” the department said in a statement.
Fourth of July shooting: 6 killed, several hurt at Illinois parade, reports say
That safety plan involves multiple agencies and periodic sweeps of the Esplanade, including catch basins, drainage areas and garbage cans. Guests will be scanned by metal detector wands, and a private vendor will conduct bag checks.
“We will be sweeping for unattended baggage, backpacks, luggage – anything suspicious,” Mason said.
Explosive detection K9 Scout and his handler, Trooper John Ragosa of the State Police Bomb Squad, reported at the start of a long day performing explosive ordinance sweeps on the Esplanade.
Scout made sure to render a salute to Colonel Mason. And then of course, he got a treat. pic.twitter.com/VX8JqWBqzS— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 4, 2022
The Fourth of July, like the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles, is an “all-hands” event for State Police, according to Mason. That means there will be a visible police presence, as well as coordination behind the scenes.
“So, what you don’t see here, is a Unified Command Center – where all our federal, state, and local partners come together. They are all coordinating intelligence. They are all deploying resources,” Mason said. “They are monitoring the communications system, ensuring that there is seamless communication between all of the agencies.”
Alcohol, coolers and drones will be prohibited at Monday night’s event. There will be fewer concessions than in previous years, so guests are advised to stock up on snacks and drinks.
“Bring adequate water in clear plastic bottles and enough food and snacks to sustain yourself through the day, just as if you were going to the beach for a long day,” Mason said.
Heading to Boston for 4th of July celebrations? Many parking, traffic restrictions will be in place
Among the major road closures are Storrow Drive, which shut down to traffic earlier on Monday, and Memorial Drive, which closed around 4 p.m. The Mass. Ave. and Longfellow bridges have also been closed to traffic.
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