NEW York City cops will be on high alert as A-listers from the fields of music, television, and film prepare to attend this year’s Met Gala, a retired detective has told The U.S. Sun.
Security chiefs will be turning the perimeter surrounding the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a fortress in a bid to prevent the fashion spectacular from being upended.
In recent years, the event has been targeted by demonstrators protesting the Gaza conflict and wacky eco-zealots blocking Paris Hilton’s car from arriving.
Ex-cop Michael Alcazar warned the high-profile nature of the event makes it a prime target for protesters and those who may be plotting something more sinister.
He revealed the security operation will be as watertight as possible the closer to the venue on 5th Avenue.
“The NYPD has to be prepared for every eventuality,”; he said.
Armed cops will patrol the streets of New York City, while snipers will be stationed on the top of buildings surveying the scene.
Law enforcement chiefs will turn to all the technology in their security toolboxes to mitigate any potential threat, Alcazar said.
He explained that a “frozen zone”; will ring fence the Met and areas will be barricaded.
“The NYPD is good at locking down an area,”; he said.
“No one will be allowed in there unless you’re attending the gala.”;
He revealed the frozen zone could span as far as a mile, but it could be expanded.
The gala will have a heavy police presence, with local forces collaborating with private security organizations and potentially the feds.
Drones will be deployed, while cops will turn to license plate recognition technology to eye out any vehicles that shouldn’t be in the area.
“The area will be saturated with video surveillance, so we’re going to remove vehicles that are parked or don’t belong in the area,”; Alcazar said.
“We’re going to limit access so that vehicles can’t just drive up on the sidewalk on the streets.
“We’re going to have barrier trucks and concrete barriers to ensure the safety of all attendees and citizens of New York City.”;
Ubers and taxis are set to be re-routed, while some subway station exits will also be closed
Meanwhile, arrest teams will be on standby on top of the cops on the beat.
“They’re not the ones you’re going to see on patrol or on the gala route,”; Alcazar added.
“Their sole purpose is to be activated if they have to make an arrest for disorderly groups or criminal element.”;
The NYPD is good at locking down an area
Michael Alcazarformer NYPD detective
An arrest area will be set up, which provides cops with a space to process anyone creating disruption and buses will be on standby to ship any disruptors to a central booking unit.
Last year, 27 people were arrested near the Gala – most for disorderly conduct.
Protesters torched an American flag and vandalized a World War I memorial.
The demonstrations coincided with the so-called Day of Rage championed by pro-Palestinian activists.
And, uniformed officers on the route will be conducting checks making sure locals and tourists are not bringing in anything they shouldn’t.
Alcazar told how law enforcement will be prepared for every eventuality.
“Given what’s going on in the current climate, I think the NYPD is on high alert,”; he said.
“We could have the potential for terrorist threats and gang activity, so I would think it’s a little bit more concerning for the NYPD this May.”;
He explained that the political context and the fact celebrities will be attending the Gala adds to the complexity for law enforcement.
And, security plans are constantly monitored, according to the former cop.
UNDER REVIEW
“The security risk is always something that they’re evaluating,”; he added.
“They’re going to evaluate as we get closer to the event, so they will review any kind of credible threats.”;
As many as 700 people could attend Monday’s fashion extravaganza.
Its theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and this will showcase the artistry, heritage, and cultural significance of Black tailoring throughout history.
Rihanna, Lebron James, and are just some of the
Usher, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Doechii are also among the names on the Gala’s host committee.
Figures from the political world have also made appearances.
Firebrand congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised eyebrows in 2021 when she wore a white gown that featured the phrase: “Tax the Rich.”;
The defiant three-word slogan could not be missed as it was emblazoned on the dress in bright red capital letters.
Current New York City mayor Eric Adams, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and ex-presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg have made appearances at past events.
But, individual tickets for the gala start at $75,000, according to The New York Times.
And, one of the frequent criticisms of the Gala is that it is an elitist showpiece event.
Not all celebrities are enthused about the idea of being in attendance.
Zayn Malik, formerly of One Direction, told GQ he would rather stay at home than go to the event.
“To do the self-indulgent ‘Look at me, I’m amazing’ thing on the red carpet, it’s not me,”; he said.
Comedian Amy Schumer labeled the event a “farce”; and Tina Fey famously described the Met Gala as a “jerk parade.”;
