SAPD’s top law enforcement officer said there’s constant coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to assess potential threats.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stressed he’s optimistic in the department’s current safety plans for big upcoming events while stating no changes are needed at the moment following the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans.
“If the question is, are you going to do anything differently, the answer is no,” McManus said. “I know a lot of people think about this and wonder what SAPD’s going to do differently and how we’re going to tighten everything up. Our security plans for big events, there’s no gaps in them right now,” he said.
At least 14 people were killed and dozens of others injured after a man intentionally drove a truck into celebratory crowds along Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The perpetrator was shot and killed by police. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
“I’m confident that our plans cover every contingency,” McManus said.
From the San Antonio rodeo to the MLK March to the Final Four basketball tournament, McManus said there’s been fluid communication between local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
McManus said he met with the FBI and Texas DPS the other day about ongoing preparations for events slated for this year in the Alamo City that attract tens of thousands of people.
As it relates to the NCAA basketball tournament, McManus said safety planning has been taking place for close to a year.
McManus pointed to the importance of intelligence capabilities like the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, in which SAPD plays a prominent role.
“We have detectives working with or embedded with the FBI working on issues of terrorism. All of that information that they gather is made privy to us,” McManus said.
The San Antonio FBI office has not indicated a local threat linked with what happened in New Orleans or Las Vegas. The agency emphasized safety remains their top priority.
McManus urges everyone to practice situational awareness when out and about.
“Unfortunately, nobody can guarantee that nothing will happen. But if it were to happen, we are prepared to deal with it,” McManus said.