Visitors to this week’s Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black and related events may face delays and increased security, particularly during a scheduled appearance Friday by President Donald Trump.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the department is coordinating with the New York State Police, the U.S. Secret Service and village police departments to provide security for an event expected to bring 250,000 people this week to Nassau County.
Police have handled large events before, Ryder said, including last year’s cricket tournament, the T20 World Cup, which also attracted about 250,000 people. Trump is set for a return to Long Island after hosting a campaign rally last year at the Nassau Coliseum.
“This is probably one of the largest security initiatives we’ve undertaken. Cricket was big, but it was contained into an area,” Ryder said. “Now we’re in downtown villages, we’re in Garden City, we’re in Eisenhower Park. We’re spread out, but our resources are plenty.”
Nassau police will receive additional resources from the NYPD and Nassau County. State police will use drones over the course area and villages, Ryder said. Nassau County police will also have its SWAT and special response teams available for additional security.
“We’re going to be throughout the communities making sure the perception is that you are safe. If you feel safe, you are safe. And you’re going to see our presence out there,” Ryder said.
Those attending the event are urged not to drive to Bethpage Black and instead take the Long Island Rail Road to the Farmingdale station, use rideshare services like Uber, or a parking shuttle from Jones Beach. Vehicles parked in residential streets will be ticketed and towed, Ryder said.
The White House said Monday that Trump was planning to attend the Ryder Cup after signing an executive order to avert an LIRR strike.
“This event is one of the greatest sporting events in the world,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday during a briefing to the news media. “It would not be taking place without president Trump’s help.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Ryder said security is planned to avoid some delays, such as earlier this month when Trump visited the U.S. Open tennis championships in Flushing, Queens.
Attendees are urged to arrive early to undergo security screening before entering Bethpage State Park, where only clear bags will be admitted, Ryder said. He said the perimeter around Trump will be locked down.
“So we are going to welcome president Trump to Nassau County once again, and we know that also will present some traffic issues,” Blakeman said. “The preparations are standard and usual for a presidential visit, we work very closely with the Secret Service, and all of our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.”
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.