advice

[cali yaris]

^ That's good info.

Also interesting that Penn Station, where the OP was exiting, is not only a transportation hub (trains and other public transportation), it's also underneath Madison Square Gardens. Security there is akin to an airport, if not more stringent, for the obvious reasons.

I'm not saying the frisk was reasonable or right, but I can see just cause for a higher alert status at such an important location.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

^ That's good info.

Also interesting that Penn Station, where the OP was exiting, is not only a transportation hub (trains and other public transportation), it's also underneath Madison Square Gardens. Security there is akin to an airport, if not more stringent, for the obvious reasons.

I'm not saying the frisk was reasonable or right, but I can see just cause for a higher alert status at such an important location.

Good points. In 2006 I went to Times Square for the first time in quite a few years (and first time since 9/11). It way during daylight. I was struck by how stark it seemed, by the location of the police station, and by how many police were milling around (it was on an average day -- not during an event). I haven't been back to NYC since 2010. It sounds as though the 'screws are tightening' (so to speak) to an even greater degree on the populace (or at least some demographics ). I second the jeans and black jacket advice given to the OP. (I know Penn Station and Times Square are 10 1/2 blocks apart, I just mentioned Times Square because I have visited there more recently and was so keenly aware of the police presence)