As New Year’s Eve approaches, numerous major cities across the globe have decided to cancel their traditional celebrations due to increasing fears of terror attacks and potential stampedes.
From Sydney and Paris to Tokyo, authorities have called off large-scale gatherings, fireworks displays, and public parties ahead of December 31, prioritizing public safety in light of recent threats.
The wave of cancellations gained momentum after the FBI uncovered a planned bomb attack in Los Angeles scheduled for New Year’s Eve. Four suspects were arrested during a rehearsal near the city. Drone footage presented by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli captured the suspects assembling an explosive device in a desert area.
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All four individuals are local to the Los Angeles region. Despite this significant security threat, the city has chosen not to cancel any New Year’s Eve festivities, as reported by The Mirror US.
In contrast, other cities have taken precautionary measures. Australia’s National Terrorism Threat Level remains at “probable,” with warnings about individuals intent on causing harm within the country and abroad, according to The Express.
Following a tragic attack on Bondi Beach’s Jewish community earlier this month—resulting in 15 deaths and 40 injuries—Sydney has canceled its renowned fireworks display at the popular beach, an event that typically draws over 15,000 spectators.
Waverley Council, responsible for organizing the celebrations, explained their decision as a gesture of “compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community,” according to Sky News.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized that threats of antisemitism still pose significant risks to the Jewish population.
In Paris, authorities canceled the famous music concert on the Champs-Elysées due to police concerns about crowd crushes, as reported by local outlet sortiraparis. However, the city’s main fireworks show will proceed as planned.
Tokyo also canceled a major New Year’s countdown event at the iconic Shibuya Station. Officials, including Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe, cited fears of dangerous stampedes and issues related to public intoxication as reasons for the cancellation.
These unprecedented moves highlight global apprehensions as cities balance maintaining cherished traditions with ensuring public safety in uncertain times.