Former FBI and CIA agent Tracy Walder warned that unlocked manholes in New York City create a clear security vulnerability after five men were seen emerging from manholes in Brooklyn and Manhattan; PIX11 reports two arrests. The incidents mirror footage from about three months ago in Queens and Brooklyn. Walder highlighted the difficulty of securing nearly a million manhole covers and said it's likely a matter of "when," not "if," adversaries could exploit this weakness.
Ex-FBI/CIA Agent: NYC Manholes a Serious Security Risk — 'A Matter of When'
Terrorists using NYC manholes ‘a matter of when’: Tracy Walder
Former FBI and CIA operative Tracy Walder warned that the easy access to manholes across New York City presents a tangible security vulnerability that could be exploited by adversaries.
Between Thursday and Friday, five men were observed emerging from manholes in Brooklyn and Manhattan. NewsNation affiliate PIX11 reports that two of those individuals have been arrested. The incidents follow surveillance footage from roughly three months ago showing groups opening manhole covers, entering the sewer system and disappearing beneath the streets in Queens and Brooklyn.
Security Concerns and Practical Challenges
Walder stressed that the most immediate concern is the accessibility of critical infrastructure in high-profile areas. "Why is our critical infrastructure so easily accessible? Particularly in areas like the UN, Penn Station, MSG — there were some that were close to there as well," she told "Katie Pavlich Tonight."
"I don't think it's a matter of if. I think it's actually a matter of when," Walder said, referring to the risk of adversaries exploiting manhole access for an attack. "We've now given individuals who want to commit terrorist attacks a very easy idea of how to do it by showing them just how vulnerable this is."
Walder also noted the practical difficulty of securing the city's underground access points: New York City has just under a million manhole covers, making comprehensive upgrades and monitoring a complex and costly task.
What Authorities Can Do
Security experts and city officials face multiple options, including targeted sealing of vulnerable covers near high-traffic or symbolic sites, improved locking mechanisms, increased surveillance, and coordination with utility companies to inventory and harden critical access points. Any long-term solution will require resources, planning and interagency cooperation.
Authorities continue to investigate the recent incidents. Residents and commuters should remain aware of official updates from law enforcement and local government.
Help us improve.
