NYC Mayor Eric Adams Vows Robust Security for Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration on Eve of Historic Mayoral Transition

New York, NY — December 30, 2025

As hundreds of thousands prepare to gather in Times Square to ring in 2026, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams reaffirmed his commitment to public safety during the city's legendary New Year's Eve festivities, just hours before Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in underground at the historic Old City Hall subway station.

Speaking at a security briefing in Times Square on Monday, Adams emphasized the NYPD's comprehensive plans to ensure a safe and joyous celebration for the estimated one million revelers expected to attend."We want everyone to have a happy and safe 2025," Adams said. "No better place to bring it in than right here in New York City, as we celebrate the 400th year of this city's history."

Flanked by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Adams highlighted the absence of any credible threats but stressed the department's heightened vigilance. The security operation includes thousands of uniformed and plainclothes officers, bomb-sniffing dogs, drones, helicopters, and "frozen safety lanes" created with sanitation trucks, blocker vehicles, and concrete barriers to prevent vehicle-ramming incidents.

Tisch described the measures as "bigger" than previous years, incorporating secondary screenings for crowds already in viewing areas, dedicated pickpocket teams, and enhanced monitoring of social media for potential risks.

The briefing comes amid a backdrop of global concerns, including recent attacks on holiday gatherings abroad, but officials reiterated a "zero tolerance" policy for disruptions or disorderly behavior.

The event marks one of Adams' final public appearances as mayor before the transition of power. At midnight, as the iconic ball drops in Times Square, Mamdani — the democratic socialist assemblymember who upset establishment favorites to win November's election — will take the oath of office in a private ceremony at the abandoned Old City Hall subway station, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Mamdani, who will become the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, chose the symbolic location to honor working-class New Yorkers and the subway system's role in the city's history. A public inauguration and block party are planned for New Year's Day outside City Hall.

As the clock ticks toward midnight, New Yorkers and visitors alike are poised for a seamless handover: a safe farewell to 2025 under Adams' watch, ushering in a new era with Mamdani at the helm. 17GEN4.com