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The challenge of protecting soft targets in big cities

November 15, 2015 / 02:31

This episode discusses the NFL's increased security measures following the Paris attacks, the challenges of protecting soft targets, and insights from counterterrorism expert Vincent Mara.

Aaron Morardi reports on the heightened security in New York City, particularly in Times Square, where the anti-terror squad is actively monitoring potential threats.

Vincent Mara, a former counterterrorism officer, explains the concept of soft targets and how recent attacks indicate a shift in terrorist tactics, focusing on crowded places.

Mara highlights the psychological impact of targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly young people in social settings, and the evolution of terrorism since 9/11.

The episode concludes with a reflection on New Yorkers' resilience in the face of threats, emphasizing the city's determination to continue living despite potential dangers.

TLDR

The episode covers NFL security changes post-Paris attacks and insights on protecting soft targets from terrorism.

Episode

2:31
00:00:00
After Paris, the NFL now says it will increase security at its stadiums beginning tomorrow. Aaron Morardi got a
00:00:06
firsthand look at the challenge of protecting soft targets in the biggest of cities.
00:00:12
We're going to be safe. We're going to be vigilant. And we're going to be disciplined.
00:00:17
Rolling through New York Times Square today, a very visible sign that the city's anti-terror squad is on the job.
00:00:25
A job that gets harder and harder, guessing where terrorists could strike next. Is this what you would call a soft
00:00:33
target? Absolutely. There's uh lots of people here. There'll probably be more at lunchtime. Um these people are just
00:00:40
unsuspecting shoppers. Most of them are probably tourists. Vincent Mara was a highranking counterterrorism officer for
00:00:46
the New York Police Department in the years following the 9/11 attacks. He says what happened in Paris is a sign of
00:00:54
what could come. But in this situation, the way they targeted young people in late evening hours, I mean, they knew
00:01:01
what they were doing. I mean, they targeted people who were very susceptible, people out partying, it's
00:01:07
something that really hits home. Mea believes this is just the latest tactic of ISIS terrorists. It looks to be
00:01:14
terrorism evolving. It looks to be the next generation. focusing primarily on what the experts call soft targets. The
00:01:22
goal of hitting a soft target is to hit a place where there's a lot of people to
00:01:26
to kill as many people as you could. And what's the attraction of going for a cafe or going for a shopping mall? In my
00:01:34
opinion, it's an easy target and it's something that upsets our lifestyle. And what they want to do is create as much
00:01:40
havoc as they could. Since 911, after security was beefed up at government buildings and airports, militants have
00:01:48
turned to easier targets. In 2013, it was a luxurious shopping mall in Kenya. This summer, a tourist beach in Tunisia.
00:02:00
In Paris last night, more soft targets. So in New York today, police were flexing muscle, hoping to deter the same
00:02:12
thing from happening here. You know, less than 24 hours after attack in Paris, people are out living their
00:02:19
lives. Well, that's what New York is all about. We're resilient people and and although, you know, we've had things
00:02:25
happen here, you know, we forget and we move on.

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Episode Highlights

  • Increased Security Measures
    The NFL announces heightened security at stadiums following the Paris attacks.
    “After Paris, the NFL now says it will increase security at its stadiums.”
    @ 00m 02s
    November 15, 2015
  • Targeting Soft Targets
    Experts discuss the evolution of terrorism focusing on soft targets like cafes and malls.
    “The goal of hitting a soft target is to kill as many people as you could.”
    @ 01m 22s
    November 15, 2015
  • New Yorkers' Resilience
    Despite recent attacks, New Yorkers continue to live their lives with resilience.
    “Less than 24 hours after the attack in Paris, people are out living their lives.”
    @ 02m 15s
    November 15, 2015

Episode Quotes

  • We're going to be safe. We're going to be vigilant.
    The challenge of protecting soft targets in big cities
  • We're resilient people and although we've had things happen here, we move on.
    The challenge of protecting soft targets in big cities

Key Moments

  • Increased Security00:02
  • Soft Targets Discussion01:22
  • New York Resilience02:15

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