New York City ramps up security after terrorist attacks in Brussels

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday the city has increased presence of police and counter-terrorism forces in its subways and other public transit hubs.

The move was taken after terrorist attacks happened in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday morning, which left at least 34 people killed and 200 others injured.

"There is no specific and credible threat against New York City at this time, but we are in a high state of vigilance and readiness," said de Blasio in a press conference at the headquarters of New York City Police Department (NYPD).

While noting that the Belgium attacks were targeted at an airport and subway station, de Blasio said that additional counter-terrorism capacity has been put out at key sites around New York City, particularly in the subway system.

The city is also working closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to ensure security of major airports and other transit hubs in the New York metropolitan area, de Blasio added. The Port Authority is responsible for operating three major airports and some of the bus and railway systems in the area.

New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton briefed about the deployment of the city's counter-terrorism forces, including the newly established Critical Response Command and the Strategic Response Group.

"We are putting in place beginning today a 55 person dedicated unit just to the Times Square subway system," said Bratton, "Everyday a half million people go through that system below ground."

De Blasio commended the NYPD for its preventative effort against terrorist attacks. New York City has been the most targeted city in the country with 20 thwarted terror plots since September 11, 2011.

"Expect to see extraordinary NYPD presence out over the coming days as a sign of our readiness to protect people at all times," said de Blasio. Endit