U.S. Northern Command officials are monitoring the situation in New York City after explosions occurred outside the British Consulate early Thursday, officials said.
"We want to reassure the public that we are watching this incident very carefully and that the command is ready to provide military assistance to civil authorities and consequence management operations," said Michael Perini, USNORTHCOM Director of Public Affairs.
Senior USNORTHCOM officials were notified within moments of the explosion and began coordinating with federal, state and local officials. "The information exchange and cross talk among officials have been outstanding," Perini said.
There have been no requests for military assistance, Perini said. "As part of our homeland defense mission we are ready, willing and able to deter, defend against and defeat terrorist activities."
The command’s mission is homeland defense and civil support. USNORTHCOM conducts operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility; and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provide military assistance to civil authorities including consequence management operations.