The NYPD was battening down the hatches as they prepared for Pope Francis’ arrival in the Big Apple on Thursday afternoon.
Outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral Thursday morning, hundreds of police officers and federal agents were standing guard along Fifth Avenue, more than six hours before the pontiff was expected to arrive in Midtown.
Police officers patrol past the St. Patrick’s Cathedral where Pope Francis will arrive to lead evening prayers.Getty ImagesEight-foot-high security fences were also erected near the cathedral from 49th to 55th streets on Fifth Avenue, which officials say would ultimately help secure the route and aid commuters in getting to work as thousands of people await the pontiff’s arrival.
In addition, cops set up almost 40 miles of traditional motorcade fencing throughout Midtown, which will constantly be moving in order to secure the 5 other papal events taking place across the city, including visits to Central Park, East Harlem, the 9/11 Memorial and Madison Square Garden.
Some 818 tons of concrete barriers will also be used to block off streets, including East 72nd Street between Fifth and Madison avenues from Thursday to Saturday.
In Central Park, another 8-foot-high, mile-long fence was set up along the west side from 59th to 81st Street, according to police officials.
The pope was expected to arrive at JFK International Airport around 5 p.m.
People pass through areas of security fencing near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.EPAWhile the lead agency in charge of keeping Francis safe during his visit is the Secret Service, the Port Authority Police Department will be handling his movements, as well as airport operations.
“The arrival of the pope will be treated like a POTUS movement on steroids,” a law enforcement source said. “And let me tell you, when there’s a POTUS movement (at JFK), the whole airport shuts down.”
Members of the US Army Ordinance Disposal Directorate, which are typically tasked with finding improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, will be on hand to detect potential threats, along with the NYPD Bomb Squad.
Surrounding highways near JFK, such as the Van Wyck Expressway, will also be policed more heavily as agents from the state department contribute to the security net, as well.
In addition, Port Authority cops assigned to the ESU and K-9 units have been instructed that they are obligated to work until the pope leaves Saturday, even if they are scheduled for time off or have an emergency.
