The New York City Police Department's Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau (ICB) has issued a confidential warning stating that protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict could potentially disrupt the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. With thousands of people expected to attend the event on Wednesday evening, authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety of all attendees.

While there is currently no specific or credible threat reporting regarding the tree lighting ceremony, the NYPD's threat assessment advisory highlights the elevated risk environment faced by the United States due to various extremist groups. The advisory cautions that "malicious actors may view mass gatherings, iconic locations, and high-profile events as targets of opportunity during the holiday season."

The document, obtained by ABC News, comes in the aftermath of recent disruptions during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a shooting incident in Vermont involving three college students of Palestinian descent, which is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

According to the bulletin, there is significant online chatter from entities attempting to incite violence from various political and ideological backgrounds. The advisory acknowledges that such content is common during the holiday season. The ICB has observed propaganda materials calling for violence against U.S. interests by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and their supporters, citing the example of al-Qa'ida's as-Sahab Media Foundation inciting attacks against military targets in the Middle East and the West, as well as against those who support Israel.

The document also highlights that in December 2022, pro-ISIS online users circulated propaganda encouraging followers to target crowds at Christmas and New Year's celebrations, presenting images of a truck driving towards people surrounding a Christmas tree.

The ICB emphasizes that individuals participating in protests may potentially use the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony, which will be nationally televised, as an opportunity to draw attention to their causes. While many of these actions fall under protected First Amendment rights, they could result in disruptions to the event and pose a security risk, according to the assessment.

During the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, demonstrators dressed in white jumpsuits splashed fake blood and attempted to glue their hands to the pavement in an effort to disrupt the parade. The NYPD subsequently arrested 34 individuals on charges including harassment, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, trespass, and disorderly conduct.

The threat assessment further cites a tree-lighting ceremony in Seattle on November 24, where individuals protesting Israeli operations in Gaza caused disruption.

Law enforcement agencies and government entities have been alerted to the concerns outlined in the advisory, and security measures will be heightened to ensure the safety and smooth running of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony.