Suspicious Packages Cause Gridlock During UN General Assembly

The opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City was marked by severe traffic gridlock and repeated security disruptions. On Tuesday, September 23, significant delays occurred at the staff entrance due to new belongings scan requirements for staff and lower-ranking diplomats, while First Avenue was restricted for world leader motorcades.

Security tensions escalated on Tuesday afternoon when the New York City Police Department closed Third Avenue near East 43rd Street to investigate a suspicious package. The police bomb squad responded and determined the object was harmless. A second similar incident occurred on Wednesday, September 24, when authorities closed areas near East 46th Street and Second Avenue to investigate another suspicious item.

The United States Secret Service and the New York City Police Department coordinated the Wednesday closures as a precautionary measure. Both agencies later confirmed the item posed no threat to the public and reopened the affected areas of Midtown Manhattan. These disruptions occurred alongside high-level general debates and meetings focused on pandemic preparedness, development, and climate action.