County promises large police presence at the MTV Video Music Awards

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County authorities are trying to calm nerves ahead of 9/11 memorial services and the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday.

“We want to assure everyone that [the] “The Nassau County Police will be there to provide security and we have the situation under control,” said County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Blakeman referred to the recent T2 World Cup cricket matches with more than 150,000 spectators at Eisenhower Park.

“We had three arrests. At a Philadelphia Eagles football game, there are three arrests in every period,” Blakeman said.

The county commissioner said Nassau was prepared to host the awards ceremony because it has hosted everything from presidential debates to major golf tournaments.

“We are used to big events,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The county is taking special precautions on the anniversary of 9/11, but Blakeman pointed out that there is no direct threat to the arena, the event “or anything else in Nassau County.”

“You will see a massive police presence there,” said Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

This includes police dogs. The police will also be stationed in a nearby parking garage and on the roof of the UBS Arena.

“We are taking every precaution to ensure everyone has a great event,” Ryder said.

What won't be so great, however, is the traffic leading up to the show.

“Sometimes the Hempstead Turnpike gets pretty congested,” he said.

Ryder expects the west side to be busy, but the east side may not be as crowded.

Despite the Video Music Awards being held on September 11, Blakeman said police will not be overwhelmed.

“We distribute resources based on need,” Blakeman said. “No resources are being taken away from the districts. No resources are being taken away from other special events that may occur.”