New York City police officers will be on high alert as celebrities from the music, television, and film industries get ready to attend the upcoming Met Gala, as per a retired detective speaking to The U.S. Sun.
Security officials are gearing up to fortify the area surrounding the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an effort to ensure that the prestigious fashion event proceeds smoothly without any disruptions.
Recent editions of the gala have faced challenges with protestors voicing concerns over the Gaza conflict and environmental activists causing chaos by obstructing celebrities like Paris Hilton from reaching the venue.
Ex-cop Michael Alcazar warned the high-profile nature of the event makes it a prime target for protesters and those who may be plotting something more sinister.
He revealed the security operation will be as watertight as possible the closer to the venue on 5th Avenue.
“The NYPD has to be prepared for every eventuality,” he said.
Armed cops will patrol the streets of New York City, while snipers will be stationed on the top of buildings surveying the scene.
Law enforcement chiefs will turn to all the technology in their security toolboxes to mitigate any potential threat, Alcazar said.
He explained that a “frozen zone” will ring fence the Met and areas will be barricaded.
“The NYPD is good at locking down an area,” he said.
“No one will be allowed in there unless you’re attending the gala.”
He revealed the frozen zone could span as far as a mile, but it could be expanded.
The gala will have a heavy police presence, with local forces collaborating with private security organizations and potentially the feds.
Drones will be deployed, while cops will turn to license plate recognition technology to eye out any vehicles that shouldn’t be in the area.
“The area will be saturated with video surveillance, so we’re going to remove vehicles that are parked or don’t belong in the area,” Alcazar said.
“We’re going to limit access so that vehicles can’t just drive up on the sidewalk on the streets.
“We’re going to have barrier trucks and concrete barriers to ensure the safety of all attendees and citizens of New York City.”
How do you get an invite to the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is one of the biggest fashion nights of the year but not everyone gets to attend the annual fundraiser – so, how do you get an invite to the exclusive event?
Invites to the charity event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute are rare and they do not let you get in for free.
According to the New York Times, they cost $75,000 while tables are priced at $350,000 – and all attendees have to be approved by Vogue’s editor in chief Anna Wintour.
So, the majority of guests are invited by major fashion houses and organisations with celebrities usually able to attend for free on behalf of brands who will foot the bill.
Designers like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton will usually buy tables and fill them up with A-listers from Hollywood, sports, art, and social media.
Many who get invites are brand ambassadors, major figures for hot campaigns, or stars that companies want to be linked to.
Social media stars are most likely to be invited by major platforms like Meta and Instagram, bringing in TikTok stars and other huge celebrities – but everyone needs to be over the age of 18.
Ultimately, anyone with a major platform who it willing to pay the price of a table and who is approved by Vogue’s chief will be able to attend.
Those who are not part of the elite may also be able to get their way into to exclusive event via volunteering and work.
Jobs or internships in production, public relations, catering, communications, media, and in the museum could also secure you a space behind the scenes at the Gala.
Ubers and taxis are set to be re-routed, while some subway station exits will also be closed
Meanwhile, arrest teams will be on standby on top of the cops on the beat.
“They’re not the ones you’re going to see on patrol or on the gala route,” Alcazar added.
“Their sole purpose is to be activated if they have to make an arrest for disorderly groups or criminal element.”
The NYPD is good at locking down an area
Michael Alcazar
An arrest area will be set up, which provides cops with a space to process anyone creating disruption and buses will be on standby to ship any disruptors to a central booking unit.
Last year, 27 people were arrested near the Gala – most for disorderly conduct.
Protesters torched an American flag and vandalized a World War I memorial.
The demonstrations coincided with the so-called Day of Rage championed by pro-Palestinian activists.
And, uniformed officers on the route will be conducting checks making sure locals and tourists are not bringing in anything they shouldn’t.
Alcazar told how law enforcement will be prepared for every eventuality.
“Given what’s going on in the current climate, I think the NYPD is on high alert,” he said.
“We could have the potential for terrorist threats and gang activity, so I would think it’s a little bit more concerning for the NYPD this May.”
He explained that the political context and the fact celebrities will be attending the Gala adds to the complexity for law enforcement.
And, security plans are constantly monitored, according to the former cop.
UNDER REVIEW
“The security risk is always something that they’re evaluating,” he added.
“They’re going to evaluate as we get closer to the event, so they will review any kind of credible threats.”
As many as 700 people could attend Monday’s fashion extravaganza.
Its theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and this will showcase the artistry, heritage, and cultural significance of Black tailoring throughout history.
Rihanna, Lebron James, and Simone Biles are just some of the stars expected to make an appearance.
Usher, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Doechii are also among the names on the Gala’s host committee.
Figures from the political world have also made appearances.
Firebrand congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised eyebrows in 2021 when she wore a white gown that featured the phrase: “Tax the Rich.”
The defiant three-word slogan could not be missed as it was emblazoned on the dress in bright red capital letters.
Current New York City mayor Eric Adams, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and ex-presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg have made appearances at past events.
But, individual tickets for the gala start at $75,000, according to The New York Times.
And, one of the frequent criticisms of the Gala is that it is an elitist showpiece event.
Not all celebrities are enthused about the idea of being in attendance.
Zayn Malik, formerly of One Direction, told GQ he would rather stay at home than go to the event.
“To do the self-indulgent ‘Look at me, I’m amazing’ thing on the red carpet, it’s not me,” he said.
Comedian Amy Schumer labeled the event a “farce” and Tina Fey famously described the Met Gala as a “jerk parade.”
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style — 2025 Met Gala’s theme explained
This year’s Met Gala theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style was announced on October 9, 2024, but what does it mean?
It is inspired by a new exhibit at the Costume Institute that focuses on Black style, notably Black dandyism from the 18th century through to its resurgence in the 1920s and 30s in the Harlem Renaissance and its influence on present day.
Dandyism speaks to elegant and often excessive fashion used for self-expression that often breaks norms and can be seen as a form of rebellion.
Attendees have been told that the dress code is “Tailored for you” and that the theme explores how fashion has been used to both enslave and liberate.
It is inspired by the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism And The Styling Of Black Diasporic Identity (2009), written by professor and chair of Africana studies at Barnard College, Monica L Miller.
This exhibition marks a significant step in diversifying the Met’s collections and addressing historical biases in curatorial practices.
Andrew Bolton, the Curator in Charge, emphasized the importance of making fashion at The Met more accessible and inclusive.
