After the the New York City vehicle terror attack on October 31st, the town of Toms River, N.J., beefed up parade security for the Toms River Fire Co. 1’s 79th annual Halloween Parade.
The parade generally bring thousands to the downtown area each Halloween, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Police officers and first responders maintain visibility during the parade.
“We always provide a considerable amount of security, and have taken every measure possible, given recent events across the country,” Police Chief Mitchell Little said.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy added that there would also be a large contingent of sheriffs officers on duty.
Neptune Police Capt. Michael McGhee said police were monitoring the situation and asked for members of the public to be vigilant in case they saw something suspicious as evening Halloween festivities began.
“We’re just urging everyone to stay in well-lit areas and be safe,” he said.
The vehicle terror attack perpetrator, identified as Paterson, N.J. resident Sayfullo Saipov, 29, .is though to have been radicalized in the U.S. Saipov was a commercial truck driver.