This week, Patrick J. Freaney and his team at the US Secret Service New York field office will be responsible for ensuring the safety of some of the most powerful leaders from around the world during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. As the Special Agent in charge of the New York field office, Freaney will have a significant role to play in keeping these dignitaries safe while they attend various events and meetings throughout the city.
The high-pressure week begins and ends in a massive hangar housing a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art SUVs equipped with varying degrees of security systems – tinted windows, emergency lights, heavy-duty engines and brakes among other features. These vehicles will be used to transport the heads of state and their spouses between the UN headquarters and various locations around the city.
Freaney took The Post for a sneak peak at this logistics hub, which is located within one of New York City’s five boroughs but its exact location remains undisclosed. This highly secretive facility serves as a base of operations for the Secret Service agents responsible for keeping these international leaders safe during their time in the city.
In addition to the physical security measures in place, Freaney emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance and communication with other law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security investigations (HSI), the NYPD, FDNY, and FBI. These partnerships help ensure that any potential threats are addressed promptly and effectively.
One challenge faced by the Secret Service during this event is managing the delicate balance between protecting high-risk targets like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while also upholding First Amendment rights for protesters who may gather outside the UN headquarters. Freaney acknowledges that this can be a difficult task but emphasizes the importance of staying informed about global and domestic threats to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.
As the 79th session of the UN General Assembly kicks off, Patrick J. Freaney and his team at the US Secret Service New York field office will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep some of the world’s most powerful leaders safe during their time in New York City. Their dedication and expertise are crucial in maintaining order and security throughout this high-stakes event, which brings together representatives from 193 member states across the globe.
