Police on terror alert after ISIS threatens Cricket World Cup match on Long Island: ‘Highest security precautions’

metro

From Kevin Sheehan And Jorge Fitz-Gibbon

Police are increasing security on Long Island after ISIS threatened to disrupt an upcoming Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan at an East Meadow stadium, authorities said Wednesday.

Although authorities said there was no “specific threat” of a terrorist attack during the June 9 game at Eisenhower Stadium, police are taking no chances with the international championship game in the city.

“This is the tightest security that Nassau County has ever seen,” said Nassau Police Chief Patrick Ryder. “Every single unit of the police department is affected, including our intelligence agency.”

“We’ve worked with the NYPD, MTA, New York State Police, Suffolk County, FBI, DHS, Customs, and they’ve all provided briefings,” Ryder said. “Everything is credible.”

The increased security measures are a result of an ominous online post by the Islamic State on matrix.com.

The post, dated May 28, shows a person wearing a hood with a rifle on their back. The message reads: “Wait for the matches… and we’ll wait for you.”

At the top it says “Nassau Stadium” with the date June 9th.

According to district authorities, an additional 100 police officers will be deployed to the venue for the match. There will be metal detectors at all entrances, a no-fly zone will be imposed over the heads of spectators and there will be strict restrictions on what cricket fans can carry.

Ryder said spectators would not be allowed outside the stadium and that drones would not be allowed.

“This is like the Super Bowl on steroids,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at Wednesday’s press conference. “If I didn’t feel confident that we were safe and secure and our health measures were being followed, I wouldn’t be doing this.”

Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement that authorities in Albany had been working with the government “for months” to prepare the cricket matches to ensure the event would not be marred by terrorists.

“While there is currently no credible threat to public safety, we continue to monitor the situation closely,” she said. “I have also directed the New York State Police to implement enhanced security measures, including increased police presence, enhanced surveillance and thorough screening procedures.”

According to the International Cricket Council, the 11-week World Cup competitions will be held at venues in various countries, including eight matches at the 34,000-capacity Long Island Stadium.