Authorities in major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, are on high alert following U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities Saturday night.
The NYPD issued a statement on X, saying, “We’re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners.”
Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department echoed the move, stating it is “actively coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to share intelligence and ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.” While no specific threats have been identified, the MPD is increasing its presence at religious institutions.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass announced that the city is monitoring potential risks and, while no credible threats have emerged, the LAPD is stepping up patrols near houses of worship and other sensitive areas.
The nationwide security response follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “very successful” military strike targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites. Trump delivered the news from the White House alongside key members of his national security team, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Paul Mauro, a former NYPD Inspector and Fox News contributor, detailed the heightened readiness, explaining that police are deploying “special attention patrols” at locations linked to Israeli and Iranian communities, including Shia mosques.
“They’ll also use ‘house of worship cars’—marked patrol cars parked outside places of worship to deter threats,” Mauro said. He emphasized the importance of monitoring online activity, noting the NYPD’s strong cyber counterterrorism capabilities.
Mauro added that Customs and Border Protection is also on high alert, carefully screening arrivals at airports and border crossings for potential threats.
The increase in security follows a broader rise in tensions linked to the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as growing concerns over antisemitic hate crimes—highlighted by a recent shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.
