
Police shut down access around Marina Bay as crowds surge
Police shut down access around Marina Bay as crowds surge
- The police closed several areas at Marina Bay and Kallang due to high crowds on New Year's Eve.
- Access restrictions began around 8 PM and were lifted after midnight when crowds lessened.
- Security measures were heightened across Singapore and in major US cities to prevent potential threats.
Story
In Singapore, large crowds gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31, 2025, particularly at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026 event. Due to the overwhelming number of attendees, the police initiated crowd control measures by closing access to nine key areas around Marina Bay starting at 8 PM. In an update provided on their Facebook page, police informed the public that two additional areas at Kallang, including the Stadium Riverside Walk and Water Sports Centre, were also closed due to crowd congestion. These areas were reopened around 12:42 AM on January 1, 2026, after the crowd levels decreased. The police urged the public to avoid these locations during peak hours and recommended utilizing their Facebook page or monitoring live crowd maps for real-time information. The authorities took these precautionary measures in anticipation of massive gatherings across the island, as they prepared for enhanced security measures in light of potential safety concerns. Furthermore, police, auxiliary police, and security personnel were stationed throughout the areas to effectively manage the situations accompanying such large events. Enhanced patrols were conducted by various specialized police units, ensuring a proactive approach to crowd control during the festivities. As the celebrations were under way, security measures were strongly emphasized, reflecting a growing awareness regarding public safety amid significant crowds during holiday events. Meanwhile, in the United States, security agencies prepared for possible threats during the New Year's Eve events. A former FBI official, Chris Swecker, highlighted that the terror threat level remained elevated—an ongoing concern particularly around holiday seasons. New Year's Eve has historically seen heightened alertness due to terrorist activities, and in recent years, several plots have been disrupted. Swecker recounted the recent disruption of a bombing plot in southern California and a past instance involving an attack in New Orleans at the start of 2025. He advocated for vigilance among the public while reassuring that security forces were in a heightened state of readiness across major cities, enhancing public safety during these celebrations. He reinforced the necessity for individuals to report any suspicious activity immediately. The statement emphasized the significant role of law enforcement in fostering a sense of security during times of potential risk, reiterating that the government would not succumb to terrorist threats and encouraging the populace to remain aware and engaged as they celebrated the arrival of the new year.