Security tightened at UN summit amid global conflicts, assassination threats

By Can Hasasu

Assassination attempts targeting US presidential candidate Donald Trump, along with ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, have prompted US officials to heighten security measures for the UN General Assembly.

Following two assassination attempts on Trump, all eyes are turned specifically to the US Secret Service.

As in previous years, the Secret Service will be responsible for protecting not only the US president but also other world leaders during the UN summit.

Meanwhile, the Diplomatic Security Service, under the US State Department, will oversee the security of other foreign delegations.

This year, security checks have been tightened within the perimeter surrounding the UN building.

Areas designated for guest leaders and their delegations have been expanded inside the building, while spaces accessible to the press and other visitors have been reduced. In addition to snipers stationed on rooftops, snipers on the move have been deployed along roads to safeguard the passage of delegations.

At the joint operations center set up for the UN General Assembly, 10 different agencies, including the FBI, are working in coordination.

The US Secret Service is leading this large-scale operation, which accounts for a wide range of scenarios, from terrorist attacks to fires and medical emergencies.

The Secret Service, responsible for the safety of US President Joe Biden and other world leaders, has increased security measures in response to the criticism it faced following the assassination attempt on Trump, in which he was shot in the ear.

The agency is determined to ensure the event proceeds without incident.

- UN building protected from land, water, air

The UN headquarters, located in New York City along the East River, is being safeguarded by a range of forces.

On the river, patrol boats from the New York Police Department (NYPD) are joined by US Coast Guard vessels, including a patrol ship and fast-attack boats.

NYPD drones and helicopters, in coordination with the joint operations center, provide real-time surveillance from the air.

On land, heightened security measures by the NYPD are also evident, with bomb-sniffing dogs and officers deployed throughout the area.

To further secure the UN building, 300 UN security officers are on duty, operating from their own command center. Approximately 1,400 cameras have been installed at strategic points around the complex.

- Restrictions on protests

Protests on environmental, social, and political issues have long been a feature of UN General Assembly meetings. This year, an increase in demonstrations is expected due to the conflicts escalating in Gaza, Ukraine, and along the Lebanon-Israel border.

A large protest in support of Palestine is scheduled for Sept. 26. However, due to the heightened security measures, protesters will not be allowed to gather on 1st Avenue in front of the UN building.

To prevent unauthorized demonstrations inside the building, visitors are subject to multiple security screenings at various checkpoints.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul