It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Rockefeller Center as it is preparing to hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday (November 29).
However, this year's event might potentially be hijacked by grinches in keffiyehs.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) warned its staff in an internal memo obtained by the New York Post that "elevated vigilance" is needed in this year's tree lighting ceremony as pro-Palestinian protesters have announced their plan to "flood" the event.
The advisory to officers and staff came following an attempted hijacking of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade last week.
While the memo noted that there were no "specific or credible" threats targeting the annual winter holiday event - which was expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers to Midtown Manhattan - the ceremony would feature high-profile individuals and celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson, who would host this year's lighting. This meant that such individuals could become easy targets for "malicious actors" looking to do harm in the ceremony or for the rest of the festive season.
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NYPD Says Protesters May Target High-Profile Guests, Performers
Since the bloody October 7 attack launched by Hamas on southern Israel, "a variety of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) have persistently called for broad attacks on US interests," the NYPD said in its memo.
While that propaganda alone would not be a reliable cause for alarm, such "incitements" might "resonate" with "US-based homegrown violent extremists" and "mobilize some to action, necessitating elevated vigilance" during the holiday season.
The notice came just as the New York-based Palestinian-led community organization Within Our Lifetime announced its plans to disrupt the tree-lighting festivities. The group encouraged its supporters to "Flood the tree lighting for Gaza," noting that the ceremony this year would coincide with the United Nations-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
"This year, Jerusalem's 13 official churches + the Bethlehem Municipality itself has called to suspend Christmas celebrations in mourning for the ongoing genocide in Gaza," the group captioned an Instagram post featuring the protest flier.
"Join interfaith groups as we honor the call from Christians in Palestine to spend this holiday season standing against the genocide of Palestinians being carried out in our name with our tax dollars."
A Brroklyn officer told the Post on Tuesday (November 28) that his colleagues "need to enforce the law" should disruptors interfere with the family-friendly event similar to what protesters did in last week's Thanksgiving parade.
"This is a family event with children," the unnamed source said. "They should not be afraid."
How to Watch Rockefeller Center's Tree Lighting Ceremony
The lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday at 20:00 Eastern time (23:00 UTC). It would be broadcast live as part of the NBC special "Christmas at Rockefeller Center," hosted by Clarkson.
Aside from NBC, the musical performances could be seen on NBCUniversal's streaming platform, Peacock, also beginning at 20:00 Eastern.
The event could also be streamed on platforms such as Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, or Fubo TV.
Those who are in New York could also see the event in person in Midtown.
This year's performers would include Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Keke Palmer, Cher, Darlene Love, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Liz Gillies, Seth MacFarlane, and Barry Manilow.
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