New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) following a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week.
In a letter addressed to Secretary Kristi Noem, Hochul emphasized the importance of UASI funds for enhancing intelligence analysis within the New York Police Department (NYPD) and supporting law enforcement efforts across Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. The funding also assists with surge capacity during heightened threats and supports intelligence sharing with federal partners during major national security events.
Hochul noted that removing this financial support would reduce safety for residents at a time when New York City remains a primary target for violence. In 2024, more than $156 million from UASI was allocated to New York entities, including the city itself, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Yonkers, and several counties.
The governor’s letter stated: “As Governor, my top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe. For decades, New York has partnered with the federal government, your agency specifically, to resource homeland security and counter terrorism efforts in New York City and across New York State.”
She referenced Monday’s attack in Midtown Manhattan where four people were killed, including an NYPD officer. According to Hochul: “On Monday, it was once again apparent that New York City remains a high-level target for acts of targeted violence. Four New Yorkers lost their lives, including an NYPD officer… The assailant responsible traveled from Nevada all the way to our nation’s largest metropolis to commit this heinous act.”
Hochul criticized Homeland Security for not releasing UASI funds despite other preparedness grants being distributed this week. She cited public reports indicating that Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson had sent a memo recommending elimination of UASI funding—a move he acknowledged would weaken national security in major cities such as Miami, Washington DC, Dallas, and especially New York.
“Eliminating this funding — which totaled more than $553 million in 2024, $156.1 million of which went to New York — would make New Yorkers less safe,” she wrote. “This funding has been critical to building intelligence analysis capacity within the NYPD… enabling surge capacity when new threats are identified…”
The governor urged immediate action: “Further delays in the release of UASI will degrade our nation’s ability to protect our urban centers including our ability to keep New Yorkers safe. I urge you to fulfill your duty to protect all Americans and to release UASI funding immediately.”
