New York fireworks CANCELLED at the last minute after police thwart New Year ISIS threat

OFFICIALS have cancelled a New Year’s Eve celebration in New York at the last minute after the FBI foiled an alleged ISIS plot to carry out an attack in a restaurant.

While the main event in New York City’s Times Square will go ahead, fireworks in the upstate city of Rochester have been halted so police can be redeployed.

Mayor Lovely Warren said cutting the display would mean dozens of officers could be sent to other areas of the city.

Police earlier arrested a suspected ISIS supporter who was allegedly plotting an attack

Other celebrations, including an ice skating event, will go ahead as planned in the city and Warren said there was no direct threat to the public.

It comes just hours after suspected ISIS supporter Emanuel Lutchman, 25, appeared in court over an alleged plan to kill diners with knives and a machete.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin said: “According to the complaint, as part of Emanuel Lutchman’s attempt to provide material support to ISIL, he planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization.

“Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman's deadly plans.”

Separately, New Year’s Eve festivities were cancelled in Brussels over a terror threat.

The town’s Mayor Yvan Mayeur called a halt to the fireworks event which were due to take place at the Place de Brouckère.

Spectators were originally told not to bring any bags for security reasons but now the entire event has been stopped.

Three people detained in connection with the alleged plot are being held for a further 24 hours, while three others who were held in the raids have been released.



source:express.co.uk

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