By Jill Colvin 4/25 3:55pm

Police Surveillance

An NYPD counterterrorism officer watches cameras after the Boston attack. (Photo: Getty)

Bloomberg Uses Terror Announcement to Bash Anti-Camera ‘Special Interests’

During his press conference announcing that Boston Marathon bombers intended to target Times Square, Mayor Michael Bloomberg slamed “special interests” he accused of trying to block the city from installing crime-fighting surveillance cameras.

“The role that surveillance cameras played in identifying the suspects was absolutely essential to saving lives, both in Boston, and now we know here in New York City as well,” Mr. Bloomberg told reporters at City Hall.

“We’ve made major investments in camera technology–not withstanding the objections of some special interests,” he continued. “And the attacks in Boston, I think, demonstrate just how valuable those cameras can be.” Read More

By Colin Campbell and Jill Colvin 4/25 2:54pm

Terrorism

Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly. (Photo: NYC.gov)

Bloomberg Confirms Boston Bombers Were Headed to Times Square

This afternoon, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly confirmed reports that the suspects of the Boston Marathon bombing attack allegedly had intended to bring their explosive arsenal to unsuspecting crowds in Times Square.

The brothers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, were foiled when the car they hijacked ran low on gas, forcing them to stop at a nearby gas station. That’s when their hostage escaped, setting the scene for a dramatic shootout and manhunt where Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured. Read More

By Colin Campbell 4/25 1:33pm

Terrorism

Times Square. (Photo: Wikimedia)

Report: Boston Marathon Bombers Discussed Targeting Times Square

The two suspects involved in the deadly bombing of the Boston Marathon planned to detonate the rest of their explosives in Times Square, according to NBC 4 New York, a plot echoed by the New York Post, Reuters and many other outlets.

It was initially said that the accused duo, Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, were planning to come to New York to “party,” but earlier this afternoon, widespread reports emerged that Dzhokhar told investigators that he and his brother discussed using their remaining explosives against the city’s tourist-filled landmark. Read More

By Colin Campbell 12/31/12 2:40pm

reminiscing

Mayor Bloomberg's press conference today.

Mayor Bloomberg Reflects on Spending New Year’s Without a Kiss From Gaga

At last year’s New Year’s Eve festivities, Mayor Michael Bloomberg lit up the stage when he shared a smooch with the pop sensation Lady Gaga. This year, however, Mr. Bloomberg will be joined by the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall’s precision dance group. At his press conference this afternoon trumpeting another record year for New York’s tourism industry, Politicker asked Mr. Bloomberg if he expects tonight’s celebration to top the time he spent with Lady Gaga.

“You know, I don’t–Lady Gaga, she was–I don’t know. I mean, I just–you know, with these six here, what am I supposed to say?” Mr. Bloomberg stammered, gesturing to the Rockettes who joined him for the media availability. The dancers laughed and smiled politely. Read More

By Colin Campbell 12/31/12 1:09pm

The New Times Square

The 2013 Times Square New Year's Eve Ball (Photo: Getty)

Bloomberg Warns New Year’s Revelers: ‘No Booze. No Drugs. Period’

Later tonight, thousands of partiers will flock to Times Square in Manhattan, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be hosting a New Year’s Eve bash. Naturally, security for such an event is a concern, and asked about about the topic at a press conference earlier today, Mr. Bloomberg sternly warned the public to behave themselves.

“Well you can never assure 100 percent everything. I can tell you that on a night like this typically, and I expect it to include tonight, crime is way down…The days in the past when there was chaos have long since gone,” Mr. Bloomberg said before giving an ominous warning to partygoers planning to bring alcohol or drugs to the celebration.

“You come to Times Square, we will check backpacks. You cannot bring alcohol or drugs. Don’t try to do it. You’re not going to get away with it,” said the mayor. Read More

By Hunter Walker 4/25/12 9:17am

Campaign 2012

times square

In Times Square, GOP Primary Has Drugs Instead of Drama

Mitt Romney had already settled into his status as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee long before his five state primary sweep last night and his wide lead in Empire State polls made his victory in New York a foregone conclusion. However, The Politicker still decided to stop by our local polling place in Times Square to see the democratic process at work in a place where the stakes might have been low, but at least one of the constituents was high. Read More

By David Freedlander 9/28/11 8:42am

suggested reading

Morning Read: Christie Attacks Obama; Haggerty Trial Day 2; A New Times Square?

Chris Christie bashed Barack Obama at a speech at the Ronald Reagan library, calling him “ bystander in the Oval Office.”

A legal clash is brewing after a town clerk upstate declined to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

John Haggerty’s defense, Michael Powell writes,  appears to go like this: How can you steal from someone as profligate and careless with his campaign dough as Mike Bloomberg?

Bloomberg’s closest aides who are appearing on the witness stand have their legal fees paid for by the mayor.

Bill Clinton had high praise for the job Andrew Cuomo is doing.

Clinton was in Albany for a economic development conference sponsored by Cuomo, in which the governor announced that a $4.4 billion high-tech research project involving global companies like IBM and Intel will create 6,900 jobs statewide.

Celeste Katz has more on Read More