Keeping New Yorkers Safe: Governor Hochul Joins New York National Guard at Grand Central to Highlight Enhanced Security Efforts in Major Transit Hubs

Governor Kathy Hochul today visited Grand Central Terminal to tour the Joint Task Force Empire Shield (JTF-ES) Mobile Command Center and thank members of the National Guard and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police for their continued efforts to keep New Yorkers safe. During the visit, Governor Hochul also highlighted her commitment to maintaining enhanced security efforts throughout major transit hubs and commuter networks across the city.

“Today, I had the opportunity to thank our service members and law enforcement for the work they do to help protect one of the busiest transit hubs in the world,” Governor Hochul said. “I am deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice, and I will continue to stand behind our National Guard and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to protect New Yorkers.”

Joint Task Force-Empire Shield was formed in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and serves as a security force partly responsible for the military defense of New York City. Every day, Joint Task Force-Empire Shield is protecting the major transportation hubs and networks assisting law enforcement, including the subway system. In last year’s budget, Governor Hochul added an additional $45 million for the National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield mission in an effort to continue to deter and prevent terrorist activity in the New York City area, including transit and commuter hubs, and increased the ranks of those deployed to 1,050 service members to support the mission.