With thousands of people expected to attend the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth of July, public safety officials say there are no credible threats to the event and that people who attend the festivities should not bring any weapons, alcohol, backpacks, or other prohibited items.
They’re also urging people to take public transportation to the Esplanade on Thursday.
“There are a number of road closures that will make driving very challenging,” Jack Mawn, interim colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, said at a news conference Tuesday.
The concert takes place at the Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue bridges. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and fireworks are scheduled to start at 10:30 p.m., according to the event website.
While the FBI is not aware of any specific threats targeting the event, public safety officials are urging the public to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.
“Spectators will see a recognizable presence of sworn law enforcement professionals from our agencies in uniform,” Mawn said. “Troopers will be ready to assist you in navigating the checkpoints and getting you where you need to go. Canines and other specialized teams will continuously sweep the site, and the marine unit and the Air Wing will patrol the waterways and the sky above us. In addition to these visible resources, a dedicated team of undercover troopers and officers will be working throughout the day to identify any potential threats and respond appropriately.”
Mawn said people should not bring any weapons, alcohol, backpacks, coolers on wheels, cans, or glass containers to the Esplanade, and private drones are not allowed. A full list of prohibited items can be found on the event’s website.
Jodi Cohen, the special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, said the FBI “is not aware of any specific or credible threats” targeting the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular or any other July 4th festivities.
“That said ... we must maintain a heightened state of vigilance, given that we are home to many patriotic and historical landmarks, and this event is an attractive and symbolic target,” Cohen said at Tuesday’s news conference. “The threats we are facing from domestic, international, and state sponsored terrorism actors are all elevated. But the law enforcement team standing here today is actively collecting and sharing intelligence about the possible threats in real time so that we can make informed decisions on the best use of our resources should potential threats to public safety arise.”
Cohen asked the public to be “an extension of our eyes and ears” and “reach out to law enforcement if you come across someone or something that doesn’t seem quite right.”
“Before many mass attacks, perpetrators have shown signs they were on the pathway to violence, including comments, jokes, or threats about violent plans, reduced interest in hobbies, or other activities, increasing isolation from family, friends or others, and angry outbursts or physical aggression,” Cohen said. “In many cases, a witness to these signs did not know who to alert about their concern. Please report them to us or local law enforcement because working together, we increase our chances of preventing mass violence.”
Boston Emergency Medical Services Chief James Hooley said there will be multiple medical tents and stations staffed with EMTs and paramedics during the concert and fireworks, and he urged attendees to stay hydrated and limit their exposure to the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen, and to use common sense.
“Keep an eye on small children, especially if you’re anywhere near the water, we want to make sure of that,” Hooley said.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be broadcast live on Bloomberg Television, WHDH-TV channel 7, and online at Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg Television can be found on DISH (channel 20), DirecTV (channel 35), RCN (325, 672), and Comcast (channels 45, 757, or 844, depending on your location in the Boston area).
Radio listeners in Greater Boston can hear the concert on Bloomberg radio (106.1 FM, 1330 AM, 1450 AM, and 92.9-HD2) and on SiriusXM channel 119, online at bloombergradio.com, and by using the Bloomberg and iHeartRadio apps.
Emily Sweeney can be reached at emily.sweeney@globe.com. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.