Authorities plan to increase police presence at cricket viewing parties after pro-ISIS media posted images and ominous messages from Eisenhower Stadium, the venue for the tournament, a senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation said Tuesday, and the FBI's Nassau County office will work with the NYPD and other local law enforcement partners to provide security for next month's ICC World Cup 2024.
The image showed a drone flying over the new 34,000-seat venue, about 25 miles east of New York City, with the text “You wait for the game, we wait for you,” and the date listed as June 9.
A senior law enforcement official said there was no evidence of a plot specifically targeting the World Cup, for which qualifiers are scheduled to begin soon, or any particular match on June 9. ISIS symbolism was prominent, the official said.
A senior law enforcement official said intelligence assessments indicate ISIS expects violence and is spreading propaganda to incite someone to do something. The terror group is known for using chaos to fuel its evil activities around the world. They're hoping that maybe someone will think of an attack, the official said.
Large crowds are expected to gather at Nassau County Stadium throughout the tournament, especially for the match on June 9. The huge rivalry between India and Pakistan means large crowds are expected to attend. Officials say the fact that ISIS is calling the World Cup an event means law enforcement will have to plan accordingly.
