WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut Rep. Christopher Shays, a member of the country's Select Homeland Security committee, issued a warning about the New Year's Eve celebration in New York City’s Times Square.
Contrary to reassurances about safety from the Homeland Security Department, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Shays (pictured, right) told NBC 30 Connecticut News Tuesday that he would not go to Times Square.
"I think it's really irresponsible for our government to tell people that they don't need to take precautions," Shays said. "If Secretary Ridge says, 'Just do what you normally do,' I would say, what do you normally do? If normally, you go to Times Square, I wouldn't do what you normally do.
Shays said he would avoid all crowded sites when the nation's security level is at Orange Alert. The Republican also chairs the House subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations and the National Security Subcommittee.
"I know I wouldn't want to go to Times Square because I know it's a tempting target for terrorists," Shays said Tuesday. "I know I wouldn't let my daughter go."
Bloomberg said revelers could not be safer. He said the city is taking normal precautions for large events, such as a presidential visit.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge called the level of security at New Year's Eve celebrations "absolutely unprecedented." Shays' comments come after Ridge encouraged revelers to attend celebrations.
U.S. officials raised the color-coded national alert status to orange, or high, from elevated, or yellow. Officials cited increased chatter detected by terrorist monitors. New York City has never lowered its alert level from Code Orange.
New York City officials said visitors can expect an increased police presence for the celebration. Some subways will be closed, all bags brought into the Times Square area will be searched, and authorities plan to inspect trucks entering Manhattan.
Workers sealed manhole covers and removed mailboxes in the city. Rooftop snipers and seven police helicopters will be on guard above the more than 750,000 revelers expected to attend the event.
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Rep. Christopher Shays
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Shays Urges Caution
