• Major international cities cancel or restrict traditional New Year’s Eve festivities citing crowd safety and terrorism concerns
• FBI and Homeland Security issue threat assessments warning of potential lone wolf attacks and vehicle ramming incidents
• Recent terror plots and attacks drive unprecedented security measures for upcoming celebrations

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Major cities worldwide are scaling back or canceling New Year’s Eve celebrations as security concerns mount following recent terror attacks and foiled plots. Paris, Tokyo, and Belgrade have all announced significant changes to traditional festivities, while U.S. cities issue threat assessments warning of potential attacks.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security released a joint threat assessment for Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration, identifying lone offenders and small groups as the most persistent threats. The document obtained by ABC News stated that New York City remains an “aspirational target” for would-be terrorists, with particular concern about vehicle ramming attacks.

“Lone offenders remain a particular concern due to their frequent ability to avoid detection until operational. Al-Qa’ida and ISIS, and their supporters, continue to demonstrate an interest in targeting special events in the Homeland.”

International Celebrations Curtailed

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Paris canceled its iconic Champs-Élysées concert, a tradition spanning more than 60 years that typically draws close to one million attendees. The Paris Police Prefecture requested the cancellation due to concerns about “unpredictable crowd movements,” according to French newspaper Le Monde. A pre-recorded concert will be broadcast instead, though fireworks displays at the Arc de Triomphe will proceed.

Tokyo’s Shibuya district canceled its countdown event for the first time since 2019. Mayor Ken Hasebe cited concerns about large crowds, public drunkenness, and potential crowd accidents. The district has struggled with rowdy behavior and crowd control issues during previous celebrations.

Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić announced the city would not hold official celebrations on either New Year’s Eve or Serbian New Year on January 13-14. He referenced security incidents from last year when groups attempted to break through security barriers, traumatizing young attendees.

Recent Attacks Heighten Concerns

The cancellations follow a series of terror incidents and foiled plots. On December 14, an ISIS-inspired attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah event left 15 dead and dozens injured. Sydney subsequently canceled major New Year’s Eve events at Bondi Beach, with organizers citing the need to show “compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community.”

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The FBI arrested four members of the anti-government group Turtle Island Liberation Front earlier this month for allegedly plotting coordinated bombing attacks on five Los Angeles locations using improvised explosive devices. Surveillance footage showed suspects rehearsing their plot in the Mojave Desert.

In Turkey, authorities detained 115 people suspected of planning Islamic State-linked terrorist attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

U.S. Cities Increase Security

Chicago officials released a joint threat assessment warning that crowded celebrations like Navy Pier’s annual fireworks could be “attractive targets” for domestic or foreign terrorists. The city plans to proceed with events while increasing security and monitoring for potential drone attacks or vehicle ramming incidents.

About one million people are expected to attend the Times Square ball drop. Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro described the police deployment as “probably the biggest in the country,” emphasizing that modern celebrations have become significantly more sophisticated since preparations for Y2K.

Additional cities including Venice, Hong Kong, and Monaco have imposed strict restrictions on public alcohol consumption, fireworks, and crowd sizes. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently warned of major threats posed by Islamist ideology seeking to create a global caliphate.

Travel advisers report growing numbers of people opting for private, exclusive celebrations rather than attending massive public gatherings. The shift reflects changing attitudes toward public safety at large-scale events following multiple high-profile attacks on holiday celebrations across Europe and Australia.

Should cities prioritize public safety by canceling traditional celebrations, or maintain events with enhanced security measures?

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