As federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are ramping up security nationwide ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, a former top FBI official warned that the terror threat remains elevated, but encouraged Americans not to let fear dictate their plans.

"We're not going to bend the knee to terrorist activities," former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker said Wednesday on "Fox & Friends."

"There's always been a high terrorist threat around New Year's and the holidays," he continued, pointing to the ISIS-inspired terrorist attack that rocked New Orleans at the start of 2025 and a New Year’s Eve bombing plot recently foiled in southern California.

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The California suspects planned attacks on multiple businesses and had discussed targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to court documents. Prosecutors allege the individuals are associated with the anti-government extremist group Turtle Island Liberation Front.

Despite the threats, Swecker urged revelers to "just be aware and alert" and praised the capabilities of the country's security and intelligence agencies, particularly in metropolitan areas.

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"There's plenty of security out there, especially in New York City, Chicago, D.C., L.A.," Swecker said. "Those cities will be virtual fortresses."

He encouraged the public to immediately report suspicious behavior to police officers or security personnel.

The former FBI official said "the intelligence activity is in hyperdrive right now" and stressed that several plots have already been disrupted.

As an example, he pointed to a recent case involving the New York Police Department, which he described as "one of the best in the business." According to a Department of Justice press release, a Texas man was charged this week with providing bomb components and money to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of ISIS.

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green's moment of celebration with teammate Collin Gillespie proved to be a costly one. 

The NBA fined Green $25,000 after he dropped an f-bomb during Gillespie’s live postgame interview following a dominant performance in the Suns’ 115-101 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. 

Gillespie scored 25 points to help the Suns win five of their past six games. During an on-court interview, Gillespie was giving credit to his teammates when a few, including Green, interrupted to celebrate with him. 

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"They can’t f--- with you," Green appeared to say into Gillespie’s ear, but the broadcast’s microphone picked up the remark. 

"Oh my God," Gillespie responded. "On live TV, bro?" 

"I don’t care," Green said in response as he exited the interview. 

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The league felt differently, and on Tuesday, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations James Jones announced that Green was fined $25,000 for "using profanity when interrupting a teammate’s live television interview."

Green, who did not play Monday, has appeared in just two games this season as he deals with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old guard was initially injured during training camp.

Green played in all 82 regular-season games in each of the past two seasons, and was a part of the trade that sent 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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