“This incident will not affect the tree lighting,” mentioned NYPD Chief of Division Jeffrey Maddrey in a press convention. “We will have a massive police presence out there, around Rockefeller Center, from 52nd Street all the way down to 47th Street. We will have plain clothes [officers] out there.”
Along with the elevated police presence round Rockefeller Heart, cops may also be seen at subway stations across the metropolis for these taking mass transit to the occasion scheduled to start out at 7 p.m.
“Millions of people will be enjoying the tree lighting tonight, among other holiday events, and the NYPD will be out there with them, keeping them safe,” mentioned NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch as she described the incident as a “premeditated, pre planned, targeted attack.”
Thompson, 50, was shot within the again and chest exterior the New York Hilton Midtown lodge as UnitedHealth group was making ready to carry an traders assembly, police mentioned. Police officers mentioned they’re investigating the taking pictures as a focused assault towards the insurance coverage big CEO.
Thompson was initially discovered unconscious and unresponsive, and was taken to Mount Sinai West hospital in essential situation however later died from his accidents, in line with the NYPD.
No arrests have been made within the case and police mentioned they’re in search of the gunman who left the seen driving a bicycle after the taking pictures.
The elevated police presence across the Rockefeller Heart shouldn’t be atypical and the NYPD had already introduced further measures in preparation to the occasion.
As a part of the Christmas Tree Lighting, NYPD can have highway closures round Rockefeller Heart which are set to increase by means of Wednesday night time.
The Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree Lighting pre-show protection will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the NBC New York streaming channel within the NBC NY app, on Peacock or wherever you stream.
Full protection begins at 7 p.m. on NBC New York with “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” hosted by Natalie Pasquarella, David Ushery and Mario Lopez.
The nationwide program begins at 8 p.m. on NBC tv hosted by Kelly Clarkson, who can be joined by TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin.
