Officials in Chicago and New Orleans are moving to heightened security measures ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations following the disruption of multiple suspected terror plots in recent days, prompting warnings that large public gatherings remain vulnerable to both foreign and domestic extremist threats.
In Chicago, city officials have identified New Year’s Eve festivities, including the annual fireworks display at Navy Pier, as a potential target for terrorism.
According to a joint assessment conducted by state, federal, and local authorities, the Navy Pier celebration was described as an “attractive target” due to the size of the crowd and the open nature of the venue.
The assessment concluded that there is no specific or credible threat tied to the Chicago event at this time.
However, officials warned that domestic and foreign extremists could view the gathering as an opportunity for attacks involving vehicles or drones.
Authorities cited the risk of car-ramming attacks and the potential use of unmanned aerial systems as ongoing concerns, consistent with tactics used in past attacks both domestically and abroad.
Chicago officials said law enforcement agencies will maintain an increased presence around Navy Pier and surrounding areas as part of standard precautionary measures for large-scale public events.
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The city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations typically draw thousands of attendees, making security planning a priority even in the absence of an identified threat.
In New Orleans, officials have also requested heightened security ahead of New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl following the arrest of a former U.S. Marine linked to an alleged interstate threat involving firearms and body armor.
Authorities confirmed that Micah James Legnon, 28, was arrested while traveling toward Louisiana and later charged with threats in interstate commerce.
According to law enforcement, Legnon was allegedly en route with multiple weapons and tactical gear when he was taken into custody.
His arrest prompted New Orleans officials to call for additional security resources for upcoming events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Sugar Bowl, which traditionally attracts large crowds to the city.
Authorities have stated that Legnon is affiliated with a left-wing extremist group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
Chicago authorities warn NYE celebrations could attract foreign and domestic terrorists.
New Orleans to increase security after FBI foils Antifa-affiliated plot to kill Border Patrol agents. pic.twitter.com/pB34XyhPDn
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) December 27, 2025
While investigators have not publicly detailed a specific target tied to Legnon, officials said the nature of the alleged plot justified increased vigilance during the holiday period.
The New Orleans request for enhanced security follows additional developments on the West Coast, where affiliates of the same radical left-wing group were arrested in connection with an alleged New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles.
Law enforcement officials have not released further details about the Los Angeles case but confirmed that the arrests were tied to an anticipated New Year’s Eve attack.
These incidents have emerged amid renewed online debate over domestic and international terrorism, including discussions surrounding radical Islamic extremism in the United States.
The topic gained traction in recent days following commentary from Tucker Carlson, who downplayed the frequency of radical Islamic attacks in the country.
Law enforcement officials, however, continue to stress that terrorism threats can originate from multiple ideological sources.
New Orleans has firsthand experience with the dangers posed by New Year’s Eve attacks.
Last year, the city was the site of an ISIS-inspired terror attack carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
On New Year’s Eve, Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd and opened fire, killing 14 people and injuring at least 57 others.
A total of 15 people were killed in the attack, including Jabbar, who was later shot and killed during a confrontation with police.
The attack prompted widespread changes to security planning for major events in New Orleans, with officials emphasizing the importance of proactive measures during high-attendance celebrations.
I’d forgotten about the Islamic terror attack that killed 14 in New Orleans on Jan 1, 2025. https://t.co/h0Nvj4ZlYo
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) December 26, 2025
Federal and local authorities have reiterated that the absence of a specific threat does not eliminate risk, particularly during high-profile events that draw national attention.
Law enforcement agencies in both Chicago and New Orleans said they are coordinating closely with federal partners to monitor potential threats, share intelligence, and ensure rapid response capabilities.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, officials are urging the public to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity while emphasizing that celebrations will proceed as planned under heightened security conditions.
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