NYC prepares for 9/11 anniversary amid European terrorism

In 2001, America experienced the single worst terrorist attack in
modern history, claiming the lives of almost 3000 people.

The majority died in New York City when terrorists flew two planes
into the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

In the years since then, security in the city has been increased. A
special 500-strong counterterrorism unit has been created, along with
a special command center to monitor security cameras.

And in the run up to this year's anniversary the White House says
there are currently no "credible" threats against the U.S.

But with the recent terror attacks across Europe, is the city prepared
for the worst?

Nick Harper reports from New York.

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TAKE VO
A pedestrianized area of Barcelona. London Bridge and nearby
restaurants. Brussels airport.
Just some of the multiple terrorist attacks across Europe in the last few years.
TAKE VO
During that time, New York City has remained unscathed. But the fear
remains that could change in an instant.
TAKE VO
The September the 11th attacks in 2001 were as unexpected as they were
devastating, claiming the lives of almost 3000 people. And that threat
remains, says Robert McCrie, a Professor of Security Management at
John Jay College.

SOT - Professor Robert McCrie, Security Management, John Jay College:
"We are target number one in the United States."

TAKE VO
He is constantly reminded of when terrorism stuck the city sixteen
years ago. In the main lobby of John Jay College in Manhattan sits a
twisted girder from the Twin Towers.

TAKE VO
But the New York Police Department says the addition of more officers,
and a focus on counterterrorism since then has increased the city's
security. And experts agree.

SOT - Professor Robert McCrie, Security Management, John Jay College:
"This is the safest city with over a million population in the United
States. There is this spirit of alertness which is at a higher level
in this city than in other cities int he United States or in North
America."

TAKE VO
Most visibly, security in Times Square - the site of 2010's thwarted
car bomb plot - has been stepped up.
Steel bollards and concrete barriers have been added, to stop attacks
using vehicles, like those in the French city of Nice, and at a
Holiday market in Berlin.
TAKE VO
But despite precautions Times Square – like any busy tourist
destination in New York – is a potential target. And given the wave of
vehicle attacks by terrorists in Europe – it is a location with clear
vulnerabilities.
TAKE VO
In May, a deliberate, but non-terrorism related car crash in Times
Square put the city on alert.
And some security experts like Tony Schiena from Mosaic worries
there's simply no stopping a terrorist behind the wheel of a vehicle.

SOT - Tony Schiena, Security Expert, Mosaic: "I don't think you can
prevent that kind of attack. Lone terrorism is the most difficult
thing to combat because anywhere this could happen - it could happen
in the streets of Beverly Hills, or in the Midwest somewhere. And it's
disheartening when it does happen, but there's no way to really
protect from it."

TAKE VO
New York officials say they are prepared, in a city where terrorism
remains a pressing threat.

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