A former NYPD official has criticized the timing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding during the Fourth of July weekend, including the alleged venue. As per reports, the couple is planning a large wedding event on July 3 at Madison Square Garden.
Former NYPD official Sal Lifrieri says Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s reported wedding plans could strain New York City’s emergency resources
According to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge said that a permit has been filed with New York City to close streets surrounding MSG from July 2 through July 4 in connection with the planned event. City sources said the permit office is working with the NYPD on managing potential traffic and pedestrian flow near the venue.
Starting July 2, approximately 130 to 200 officers from various agencies will reportedly be deployed for the wedding, at a time when emergency services are under strain by World Cup crowds, reports The Sun.
Sal Lifrieri, who served 20 years with the NYPD and once led its protective operations unit, criticized the singer’s move as “selfish.” He said, “City resources are pushed to the limit as it is. I don’t think they’re recognizing the potential impact that they’re going to have.”
Explaining further, “You’ve got the Fourth of July celebrations going on with fireworks, demonstrations, and parties that are going on. The number of officers and the first response capability is really stretched. These guys are working 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week.”
“You start crowding streets and causing traffic jams like that, you’re impacting people just unnecessarily. On a weekend that’s ridiculous. I think it’s incredibly selfish and self-serving.” He added that she “ain’t the president.”
Speaking to The New York Times, former NYPD chief of department Kenneth Corey said police will need to enhance security measures and install “concrete barriers” to protect the venue from potential threats. He said their high-profile status makes the event “a very attractive terrorist target.”
Scott Munro, president of the city’s detectives union, also slammed the venue choice. He suggested they “should have their wedding in Pennsylvania or wherever she’s from,” while emphasizing the significant police overtime during the summer.
According to a Page Six report, around 1,000 guests are expected to attend the big day, with the ceremony reportedly set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on the arena floor at Madison Square Garden. However, Swift and Kelce have not publicly confirmed any wedding date, venue, or ceremony details.
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Originally reported by Meenakshi Sengupta for Reality Tea
