A massive police presence took over Hollywood Boulevard and the area surrounding the Dolby Theater as the 98th Annual Academy Awards were closely guarded against any terror threat.
Numerous members of law enforcement were seen securing a perimeter around the red carpet and the world famous location, before the star limos rolled up to the event.
Black armored vehicles and chain link fencing kept the public out and the VIP’s secure.
Several bomb sniffing dogs were deployed to Hollywood to sniff trash cans, and officers were on high alert for anything suspicious.
The red carpet was invaded by the canines just before it opened and stars dazzled the space in their dresses and tuxedos.
The police did have to clash with anti-war protestors that showed up with signs, flags and bullhorns. One man was seen being dragged away by authorities dressed in riot gear.
Cops deployed more security than ever at the Oscars this year amid heightened tensions and terror attacks since the start of the war in Iran.
Officials said security at Sunday’s 98th Academy Awards in Hollywood will be “better” than ever with a one-mile security perimeter around the awards show.
The measures are part of a comprehensive strategy developed months in advance to anticipate challenges and maintain the safety of everyone participating in or visiting the Oscars, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Mike Bland said.
“We don’t give up the inside baseball secrets, but multiple LAPD divisions and specialized entities will be there at the scene, managing event security,” he said.
Part of that plan is an extensive coordination with federal authorities. Federal and local agencies teamed up with the Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor social media and gather intelligence.
Hollywood Boulevard has been closed from Orange Drive to Highland Avenue, for nearly a week with the roadblock to remain in place for three days after the awards show, until March 18.
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While some side streets have been restricted for weeks, the last couple days saw the complete transformation of Hollywood’s most iconic corridors into a high-security red-carpet zone.
Earlier this week, reports that Iranian drones could be targeting the California coast went unproven.
A leaked FBI memo on Wednesday caused alarm when it revealed the Bureau had passed on “unverified” information regarding a potential Iranian plot to use unmanned aircraft against the Golden State.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt and agency insiders have been quick to shoot down the significance of the alert, saying there were no credible threats against the US homeland.
The post Huge show of force at the Oscars as cops dominate Hollywood amid terror threat appeared first on New York Post.
