President Biden is in Manhattan for a campaign fundraiser with former presidents Obama and Clinton, along with a long list of celebrities. And all that comes with some very tight security in midtown, where streets are closed and traffic is being impacted. NBC New York’s Chris Glorioso reports.
It's expected to be a dramatic show of force from Democrats as they look to secure a second term in the White House for President Joe Biden — and it'll be a show with heavy impacts on traffic around midtown Manhattan.
It will all be part of a one-of-a-kind event at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, where Biden will share the stage with two of his predecessors: Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Also joining will be A-list celebs like Lizzo, Queen Latifah and Stephen Colbert.
The fundraiser, which has been billed as "historic," could become chaotic for drivers and pedestrians, as police will shut down the busy streets for cars and limit where people on foot can go.
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Midtown Manhattan street closures
According to the NYPD, street closures will begin at noon Thursday, with 49th, 50th and 51st streets shut down to traffic between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Pedestrian traffic will be limited starting at 3 p.m.
The NYPD could be seen lining 50th Street with metal barricades as part of the security preparations for the unprecedented fundraising event. The night of Democratic heavy hitters will come at a heavy price as well: tickets start at $250 each and go as high as $500,000 (no, that's not a typo).
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About 3,000 attendees are expected, adding to the hectic scene anticipated for this particular part of midtown. It will be heavily patrolled and essentially locked down. Those who work in the area may want to work from home if possible.
Potential NYC Ferry service disruptions
The U.S. Coast Guard has also issued security restrictions at the Wall Street Heliport and could impact service on the NYC Ferry from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Biden camp had hoped to raise $15 million Thursday night, which it hopes to use to put Obama and Clinton to work on its behalf in battleground states. According to his campaign, it has surpassed expectations.
The Biden campaign says it is raising a whopping $25 million, setting a record for the biggest haul for a political event.
Thursday's event marks the third NYC fundraising trip in two months for Biden, though the other two were far more low-key. The fundraiser comes at a time when Biden already enjoys a cash advantage over his opponent. While Donald Trump’s campaign committee entered March with around $42 million, Biden’s team reported having more than $155 million on hand.
On social media, the Trump team has tried to raise money by criticizing the Radio City event while the former president spent part of the afternoon attending the wake for a slain NYPD officer.
