Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYPD Starts Nuclear Terror Drill Today
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 5, 2011
Modified Apr 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 5, 2011
Modified Apr 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
If you're on the East Side and wonder, "Huh, why are approximately 80 police vehicles and 160 officers assigned to them departing from in front of the United Nations on First Avenue?" here's your answer: They're conducting a nuclear terrorism drill today through Saturday—it's a "full-scale exercise involving hundreds of personnel from 150 law enforcement and other first responder agencies in the tri-state region...[involving] activity in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey on land, including rail and highways, and in the waterways of the region," according to the NYPD.
The drill is being conducted as part of the Securing the Cities initiative, which focuses on radioactive materials. The NYPD also explains, "The exercise is designed to evaluate their combined ability to detect and interdict radiological materials that could be used in a terrorist attack in the region... The exercise is not the result of a specific threat."
The dozens of police vehicles will depart from the U.N. at 9 a.m. and there will be "increased police presence" at these Bronx locations: Macombs Dam Bridge, 138th Street (Madison Avenue) Bridge, 225th Street Bridge, 145th Street Bridge and Third Avenue Bridge. And on Thursday, there will be 40 NYPD, US Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agency vessels establishing choke points in the waters off NYC.
Tagged
nuclear terror drill
nypd
securing the cities
terror drill
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .