NYC Missing Millions in Federal Public Safety Grants

Governor Kathy Hochul has accused the federal government of withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in crucial funding for New York's emergency management and counterterrorism efforts. This shocking revelation raises serious concerns about the safety and security of New Yorkers.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2025/07/11/a5b82002-0f3e-4acd-b3bf-afbf0f7791ac/9f4c46c401868f272f95a13681111c2e.jpg" alt="Hochul addressing the press">

Hochul claims that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has failed to release funds through FEMA's Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), a program that has consistently provided funding since 2002. Last year alone, New York received $219.9 million. The governor's letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem highlights this critical lapse in funding.

Impact on Public Safety

The withheld funding significantly impacts New York's ability to maintain vital public safety initiatives. These include:

• Counterterrorism efforts: Protecting the city from potential threats.
• Deployment of the National Guard: Supporting security operations, such as recent deployments in the subway system. See related article about National Guard deployment in the subway

Concerns for Jewish Communities

Hochul emphasizes the particularly high risk posed to New York's large Jewish community, the largest outside Israel. The lack of funding, according to Mitch Silber of the Community Security Initiative, creates a heightened security threat, described as the highest since 9/11.

DHS Response

While DHS acknowledges the potential for issues with funding allocation, it maintains that new controls are being implemented to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. A concrete timeline for the release of the funds remains unclear.

This situation underscores the critical need for continued federal support in maintaining public safety and security in New York City.