T20 World Cup: NYPD fears lone wolf attack during India-Pakistan mega clash

All eyes are now on the commencement of the 2024 T20 World Cup to be jointly-held in West Indies and USA in June. The main focus is on the India-Pakistan game on June 9 in New York. Ahead of the mega clash, there are concerns about security at the Nassau Country Cricket Stadium, the venue in Long Island in New York. Security personnel are preparing for the possibility of a potential lone wolf attack and are taking extensive measures to prevent disruptions. 

According to Wikipedia, lone wolf attack “is a particular kind of mass murder, committed in a public setting by an individual who plans and commits the act on their own.”

The Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder revealed the security situation to the media on Wednesday morning (Eastern Time).

Blakeman was quoted as saying by CBS News, “Each and every day, Nassau County, as well as other communities and cities and counties and towns throughout the United States, receive all kinds of threats. We take every threat seriously.”

He further opined, “To that end, we have taken many, many precautions. As well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe, the parking areas are safe, the watch areas are safe, we also are adding 100 additional police officers to our normal staffing for the rest of the county, just as a precaution.”

One particular tip-off was regarding a likely lone wolf attack on the June 9 game, as per the report which attributed it to the police commissioner. “When you’ve got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” Ryder mentioned.

It is to be noted that this is the first instance of an India-Pakistan being held in New York. Thus the hype and hysteria surrounding the game between the two arch-rivals is new to the local authorities as well. In addition, it has led to the Governor of New York State getting involved. She has emphasised that public safety will be her priority.

The office of Kathy Hochul said in a statement released on Wednesday (May 29) morning, “In preparation for the Cricket World Cup, my Administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe. This has included close coordination with the New York State Police Counter Terrorism Unit and New York State Police Troop L, based on Long Island. While there is no credible public safety threat at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely. I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes. Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated, “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event.”

India and Pakistan are placed in Group A along with USA, Ireland and Canada. Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue open their campaign on June 5, in New York, versus Ireland whereas Babar Azam’s Pakistan will meet USA on June 6 in Dallas before the two Asian giants lock horns on June 9.