State Police Conduct Live Training Drill In Downtown Albany Sunday Morning

New York State Police are asking the public to please avoid certain areas of downtown Albany as Troopers conduct a live training drill on Sunday October 18, 2026. There is no threat to public safety.

According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security, these live drills can help train officials to quickly engage attackers, and active shooters. During the drills the team can also build on their communication skills between police, fire departments, EMS, and the National Guard as examples.

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On the morning of Sunday, October 18, 2026, the New York State Police at the Capital,  in partnership with multiple first responding agencies, will conduct a live training drill in the Capitol Building, Legislative Office Building, Robert Abrams Building, and Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

The Capitol Building, Legislative Office Building, parts of the Empire State Plaza Concourse, and the Visitor Parking lot below the Plaza will be closed for the exercise. Please avoid the area.

Read more: Driver Clocked At 104 Miles Per Hour On the Taconic State Parkway

There are several events taking place in the city of Albany this coming weekend. For the ones scheduled to take place near the Capitol you might want to plan for Saturday rather than Sunday.

Here are a couple of events to choose from this weekend in Albany:

• Family Tour at the Institute of History and Art: Explore rotating collections and art with a docent-led family gallery tour, Saturday at 11am
• Explore downtown Albany's spooky history and local legends on a family-friendly walking tour. Discover Albany Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Saturay at 1pm