Watch CBS News

Despite Increased Security, Turkey Attacks Shake Some First Night Attendees

BOSTON (CBS) -- Security is tight in downtown Boston as thousands gather for First Night festivities.

Boston Police say there is no specific threat to the city on Saturday, but with any large gathering, Police Commissioner William Evans said keeping a sharp watch is a necessity.

First night
Thousands celebrated First Night in Boston. (WBZ-TV)

"I think the biggest challenge is just keeping a watch. Making sure there's no threat to the event," Evans said. "Any large scale event, I don't care where it is, you just have to take the extra precaution and make sure the area is well locked down."

Police are coordinating with other agencies, including the FBI, Evans said, to ensure the event is just that. Despite the extra efforts, some do have safety on their minds as the clock gets closer to midnight.

"Before I came out tonight I was questioning whether I should come out," one woman told WBZ-TV's Jim Smith. "I feel safe I guess. I wanted to get out and enjoy the night."

plow
Trucks stood at key intersections to block potential attacks. (WBZ-TV)

News of the terror attack in Turkey shook some First Night attendees. Some even chose their location strategically at First Night.

"It's scary to think of what this whole world is coming to nowadays," one said.

Despite the attack, though, Evans said Boston's celebrations are still secure. Dump trucks and plows blocked major intersections to prevent vehicle attacks, and other precautions were in effect.

first night police
Boston Police are out in force for First Night festivities. (WBZ-TV)

"I think if you look around, you know we have some dump trucks here and some extra precautions," Evans said. "We did that ever since the 2013 bombings so this area will be well secured."

Even with the safety concern on the back of their minds, some said repeated threats and incidents won't stop them from having fun.

"It's always going to be in the back of your mind at all times, but what are you going to do?" one attendee said. "You have to live your life."

"You have to live your life and we aren't going to let them stop us," a woman said.

Boston's First Night events are focused in Copley Square.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.