Additional Coverage:
New Year’s Eve Celebrations Face Cancellations Amid Security Concerns
As New Year’s Eve approaches, several major global cities are scaling back or outright canceling their planned festivities due to heightened security concerns and credible threats of terrorist attacks. This comes on the heels of the FBI announcing it successfully thwarted a suspected bombing plot in Los Angeles, intended for the holiday.
Earlier this month, four individuals were apprehended in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, while allegedly rehearsing their plot. First Assistant U.S.
Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the arrests, stating officials were able to intervene before the suspects could assemble a functional explosive device. Surveillance footage presented to reporters showed the suspects manipulating a large black object in the desert.
The criminal complaint identifies the four Los Angeles-area suspects as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41.
While Los Angeles city officials have not yet announced any cancellations for local New Year’s Eve gatherings, other international cities have taken decisive action.
Paris Cancels Concert, Keeps Fireworks
In Paris, the traditional New Year’s Eve concert has been canceled at the request of Paris police, citing security concerns. Local news outlet sortiraparis.com reported that police advised the mayor to cancel the concert to mitigate the risk of stampedes and unrest, which are common with the large crowds that typically gather on the Champs-Elysées. However, a firework display is still planned.
Sydney Scraps Fireworks After Tragic Incident
Sydney has canceled its New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Bondi Beach, an event that typically attracts 15,000 people. This decision follows a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach earlier in the month.
Waverley Council confirmed the cancellation of all New Year’s Eve events at Bondi Beach, including “elrow XXL Bondi” and “Local’s Lawn,” stating the decision was made “due to the current situation on the ground.” Event promoter Fuzzy further explained the decision was also made to prioritize “compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community.”
Tokyo Halts Shibuya Countdown
Similar to Paris, Tokyo officials have canceled the planned New Year’s Eve countdown at Shibuya Station. Local news outlet Japan Today reported that concerns about large crowd gatherings being potential targets for attacks and the risk of stampedes led to the decision. Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe also expressed apprehension regarding the potential ramifications of public street drinking.