Major cities across the United States were placed on elevated security footing Saturday night after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites, prompting fears of retaliatory attacks. Law enforcement agencies nationwide ramped up their presence, particularly around areas considered high-risk.
In New York City, the nation’s largest municipal police force issued heightened security advisories and increased patrols near religious institutions, diplomatic buildings, and cultural landmarks. The NYPD said it was working closely with federal agencies to assess and respond to any threats.
“As a precaution, we’ve deployed additional personnel to key locations across the city and are coordinating with our federal partners. We will continue to monitor for any developments that may impact NYC,” the department shared via social media.
Authorities voiced concern about so-called “soft targets,” including places of worship and popular public venues, which could be vulnerable in the event of retaliatory action. Police departments in smaller municipalities also implemented expanded patrols, particularly ahead of large gatherings like festivals and parades.
Iran ‘reserves all options’ following U.S. airstrikes
Experts warn of cyber threat, domestic cells
National security analysts noted Iran’s demonstrated cyber capabilities could pose a serious threat to U.S. infrastructure. Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer and national security contributor to NewsNation, warned that Tehran has previously executed denial-of-service attacks on major American financial institutions, such as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase.
“Iran is actually quite capable when it comes to cyber operations,” Walder said. “They’ve already successfully disrupted U.S. financial networks in the past.”
Walder also cautioned about the potential presence of terrorist cells linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operating within the United States. She pointed to past federal cases involving suspects with IRGC connections active on U.S. soil.
The Department of Homeland Security has committed to supporting local law enforcement efforts, especially in jurisdictions with limited resources. Federal officials indicated they are prepared to offer assistance where needed to bolster domestic security amid rising tensions.
