NYPD Beefs up Security at Two Precincts After Threat

The New York City Police Department beefed up security at two precincts Tuesday night after receiving a potential threat.

According to the New York Post, a confidential informant told police he overheard a member of a Baltimore-based gang called the Black Guerrilla Family discussing plans to "shoot it out with police" at the 79th and 81st precincts.

Police responded by posting four Emergency Services Unit officers at the 79th precinct and two at the 81st precinct. The officers, according to the Post report, were wearing helmets and holding assault rifles.

It was unclear, however, how serious the threat was.

A senior police official told the Post, "We're investigating that threat, but at this time, it does not appear to be credible."

Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, had a different view.

"I'm told it's credible," Mullins told the Post. "We've got emergency service personnel providing additional security outside of precincts. It's credible."

The potential threat comes after two NYPD officers were murdered over the weekend. Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were sitting in their patrol car Saturday afternoon when they were shot and killed by a gunman. The suspect, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, ran away and killed himself on a train platform as other officers closed in on him.

Brinsley allegedly shot his girlfriend in Baltimore early Saturday morning before driving to New York City.

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