NEW YORK, July 05 (APP): Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers braved tight security to celebrate the U.S. 240th birthday from Britain with the traditional Fourth of July fireworks display Monday night.
More than a million spectators braved a light sprinkle of rain as they watched the annual July Fourth fireworks display, sponsored by Macy’s department store.
The nearly 30 minute long show Monday featured dazzling blues, reds and whites among other colours from the more than 56,000 pyrotechnic shells launched from barges in New York City’s East River.
The 25 minute show was aired live on NBC television network, and organizers said it was the biggest firework display since the millennium show of 2000.
The tight security included police officers searching backpacks and purses. Other officers used hand held radiation detectors to scan baby carriages and large suitcases.
Police dispatched 5,000 officers to oversee the fireworks. That’s the largest detail the New York Police Department has ever assigned on July Fourth.
Authorities said there were no known, credible threats against New York but vowed to remain vigilant.
