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Officials detail safety plans for Pittsburgh's Fourth of July celebration

PITTSBURGH — Wendell Hissrich has vowed to keep Pittsburgh safe during high-profile events many times.

But with a planned terrorist attack for the Fourth of July in Cleveland just stopped by the FBI, the Pittsburgh public safety director’s words have taken on new meaning.

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"We will make sure, to the best of our ability, that Pittsburgh is safe," he said Monday.

Hissrich, who spent 25 years with the FBI, told Channel 11 he's been in constant communication with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security after yesterday's arrest.

4th of July Fireworks forecast 4th of July Fireworks forecast

While no direct threat has been made against Pittsburgh, the man in charge of keeping the city safe said it's still concerning.

“They will certainly alert us if there's any nexus to Pittsburgh,” he said. “This one is a little bit more concerning because (the suspect) was scoping out Philadelphia. Between Cleveland and Philadelphia, of course, is Pittsburgh.”

Channel 11's Aaron Martin is working to learn more about the security that is in place - for Channel 11 News, starting at 5 p.m.

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Close to half a million people are expected to attend Pittsburgh's Fourth of July celebration, and the fireworks will be broadcast live on Channel 11.

We've learned there will be a zero-tolerance policy for fighting, intoxication, underage drinking and disorderly conduct, problems that had plagued downtown events in previous years.

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“We encourage the public: If you see something suspicious, please say something. There will plenty of law enforcement out there in uniform and in plain clothes," Hissrich said.

The city's new police horses will be deployed and officers will remain on 12-hour shifts, a move made after protests over the death of Antwon Rose last week.

“There are some planned things that we have to be prepared for,” said police Chief Scott Schubert. “It's our goal as soon as possible to get them back to their normal routine.”

The following items will be prohibited in Point State Park:

  • Alcohol
  • Drones
  • Grills
  • Laser Pointers
  • Weapons
  • Explosives
  • Ammunition

Anyone entering Point State Park will be subject to a security check.

Fireworks are not allowed in the park. City law prohibits the use of any fireworks, even those that are legal, within 150 feet of a structure.

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“Our goal is to make this a safe environment for everybody whether on land or on water,” Police Chief Scott Schubert said.

River Rescue, Pittsburgh Fire and the Coast Guard will patrol the rivers.

State Park Rangers, Mounted Police and Pittsburgh EMS and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies will patrol on land.

 

Cox Media Group

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