Cuomo, Natl guard
© www.army.milGovernor Cuomo and the New York Army National Guard
Although saying there is "no specific threat" of a terror attack, Gov. Cuomo announced on Friday that he is calling up hundreds of National Guard troops and other personnel to beef up security in New York.

Summoning reporters and legislative leaders to his midtown office, Cuomo said a comprehensive new security plan will be implemented to cover airports, transit hubs and large gathering points across the region.

He declined to give specifics of the plan until he formally unveils it with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie next week.

Cuomo, who is running for re-election, said "it is undeniable that New York is a possible target of terrorist activity," either "in retaliation... or as an offensive gesture."

Subway Natl Guard
© www.newsday.comCommuters will see increased police and National Guard presence at transit hubs.
However, he acknowledged that, "We have no specific threat" of terrorists plotting an attack.

"This is just a general precaution given the obvious situation and obvious facts," Cuomo told reporters, after discussing the situation with legislative leaders.

It was Cuomo's second media briefing on security issues in five days, activity that comes as he is ramping up his general election campaign against Republican Rob Astorino. The ability to command media attention through official duties is an advantage that incumbents almost always have over challengers.

Cuomo, Christie and Mayor de Blasio met earlier this week with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. The group pledged to step up preparedness and security amid fears that ISIS and other extremist groups would launch terror attacks in the area in response to President Obama authorizing a military campaign against the group.
"There will be hundreds of people, additional people, deployed across the system," Cuomo said Friday. "There will be National Guard who will be called up."
The Port Authority and MTA have already begun to step up police presence at airports and transist facilities, Cuomo said.

Cuomo said the short-term costs of the plan will be in the "tens of millions of dollars" and will be paid for in next year's budget.

"This state and this metropolitan area will never have been as well protected as it will be when this plan is in operation," Cuomo said.