Schumer To Justice Dept: Reimburse NYC For All Security Costs From Lower Manhattan Terror Trials Which New Estimates Say Could Cost The City Minimum $75 Million

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Holder Responded that New York City Should Not Bear the Financial Burden and Will Press for Reimbursement

NYPD to Support Federal Marshals in Massive Security Mobilization Which Officials Say Could Cost the City At Least $75 Million A Year to Secure the Trial

Schumer Made Direct Appeal to AG Holder This Morning at Judiciary Committee Hearing Asking that All Costs Are Fully Reimbursed by the Feds

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to ensure that New York City, particularly the New York City Police Department, will be reimbursed for any security expenses associated with the upcoming terrorist trials in Lower Manhattan. Schumer will say there could be significant security costs to the city and local law enforcement as they support federal marshals in providing security for the accused terrorists, the trial, and the surrounding area in Lower Manhattan. Officials fear providing the security could cost the cash-strapped department a minimum of $75 million annually just for the trials with additional costs coming in increased overtime, closing streets in the surrounding area, and rapid response to possible incidents.

"These trials will place a significant burden on the NYPD and the city to keep lower Manhattan safe and secure. This is a federal case in federal court and it is only fair that the federal government pay for the massive security mobilization that will be required," Schumer said.

Schumer today asked Holder to recommend to the President that he include in his budget dedicated funding to cover NYPD's added security costs.

The U.S. marshals will handle security for the courthouse with the FBI and the NYPD charged with protecting the public and the surrounding area. Security will include 24-hour fixed canine posts and a counterassault team, along with the NYPD's heavily armed Hercules teams to lock down and sweep the area before suspects are moved from the federal lockup to the courtroom.

At the hearing, Holder agreed that New York City should not bear the financial burden and will work with Senator Schumer to secure full reimbursement for the City.

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