WASHINGTON \u2014 New York\u2019s finest in blue could use some green from the feds.<\/p>\n
Empire State law enforcement agencies have been waiting five months for $86 million in funding from the Department of Homeland Security that helps thwart terror attacks. <\/p>\n
DHS has left the NYPD, FDNY and others on the hook for the grant money after pledging to reverse a $187 million cut<\/a> in its funding last October, reps for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s office told The Post. <\/p>\n The timing for the funding lapse hurts law enforcement, as New York has \u201cthe highest risk of terrorism in the nation\u201d and just recently responded to a terror plot outside of the New York City mayor\u2019s mansion<\/a>, per Hochul\u2019s office.<\/p>\n The funding would reimburse the law enforcement agencies for its patrols around sensitive targets like houses of worship, hiring intelligence analysts, and funding tech such as radiation detectors to monitor for explosives and bomb squads.<\/p>\n The funding would reimburse the law enforcement agencies for its patrols around sensitive targets like houses of worship, intelligence analysts, tech such as radiation detectors to monitor for explosives and bomb squads. Paul Martinka<\/p>\n New York has been left in the lurch despite an alleged ISIS-inspired attack<\/a> earlier this month outside Gracie Mansion, with lawmakers and US officials warning of an enhanced threat environment<\/a> since the start of the Iran war.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen former DHS Secretary Noem cut nearly $200 million in critical counterterrorism and law enforcement funding, Governor Hochul immediately took action to get this money restored,\u201d a rep for the governor said.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, months later, New York is still waiting on $86 million to be returned \u2014 a dereliction of duty by the federal government that puts our ability to fund New York\u2019s counterterrorism efforts in the future at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n The Homeland Security Grant Program provides taxpayer-funded support to local law enforcement departments that help with \u201cintelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases,\u201d and more.<\/p>\n Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had reportedly briefed members of Congress on the elevated risks from terrorists at home<\/a> just days before two teens attempted to blow up improvised explosive devices in front of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani\u2019s residence.<\/p>\n \u201c[M]onths later, New York is still waiting on $86 million to be returned \u2014 a dereliction of duty by the federal government that puts our ability to fund New York\u2019s counterterrorism efforts in the future at risk,\u201d a Hochul rep said. Matthew McDermott for NY Post<\/p>\n Accused terrorists Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were later federally charged for trying to detonate homemade bombs during a clash between right-wing activist Jake Lang and pro-Muslim counter-protesters.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet,\u201d Balat told NYPD cops after his arrest. \u201cWe take action! \u2026 If I didn\u2019t do it someone else will come and do it.\u201d<\/p>\n Federal prosecutors charged the pair for trying to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a US-designated foreign terror group, after Balat also penned a signed confession pledging his allegiance to the Islamic State.<\/p>\n Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had reportedly briefed members of Congress on the elevated risks from terrorists at home just days before two teens attempted to blow up improvised explosive devices at Gracie Mansion. AP<\/p>\n The funding from DHS\u2019 Federal Emergency Management Agency to New York\u2019s State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative most impacts NYPD spending<\/a> on intelligence analysts and the cops\u2019 counterterrorism unit, according to Hochul\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Another $15 million for radiological response and other funding to FDNY was held up, and $13 million for Joint Task Force Empire Shield to protect transit hubs was also slated for a cut \u2014 but officials said the federal dollars support \u201cpublic safety initiatives across every county in the state\u201d as well.<\/p>\n A portion of the contested funding from the Homeland Security Grant Programs also became the subject of a court battle last September between Democrat-led states like New York and Illinois and the Trump administration that is currently on appeal.<\/p>\n Another $15 million for radiological response and other funding to FDNY was held up back in September 2025. Lone Pine Press for NY Post<\/p>\n