"Fifty-sixth Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic…from Madison to Fifth Avenue," Gomez stated on Friday. "Pedestrians will be allowed to cross, but only after being screened by [police] and the Secret Service."
Dedicated protest and demonstration areas are included in the new security plan, Gomez explained.
NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill expressed concern about traffic issues created by the lane closures and stressed the importance of balancing security with accessibility in public spaces.
Mayor Bill de Blasio explained that the security situation was an unprecedented challenge, and reiterated his belief that New York City was uniquely qualified to address extraordinary public safety issues.
Last week, police told Sputnik that Trump’s Manhattan headquarters presents a massive security challenge given its central location and the level of controversy surrounding his election campaign.
Trump reportedly plans to keep the tower as his New York office after the January 20 inauguration.
