New York, New Jersey lawmakers react after joint US-Israel strike on Iran
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Reaction is pouring in from local lawmakers in New York and New Jersey after the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack striking Iran.
In response to the attack on Iran, the NYPD has announced it is increasing security around sensitive sites across New York City as tensions escalate in Iran and the wider Middle East.
RELATED: Live updates on the joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran
Below are statements from public officials from across the Tri-State area reacting to the attack:
NEW YORK:
Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City:
"Today's military strikes on Iran - carried out by the United States and Israel - mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace.
I am focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. I have been in contact with our Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution.
Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city - you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders.You will be safe here."
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State:
Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Minority Leader:
"When I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next. Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home.
The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Confronting Iran'smalign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, andharshoppression of theIranian peopledemands Americanstrength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump's fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viablestrategy.
The administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all senators classified briefing and in public testimony, to answer these vital questions. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act.
My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers."
Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader:
Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator for New York:
"I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump's actions today risk exactly that again.
Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution.
The president lacks the constitutional authority - and in my opinion, the temperament and judgment - to act in such a reckless fashion.
I pray for the safety and well-being of our brave service members and American families in the region.
America voted for lower costs, not forever wars."
Nydia Velazquez, U.S. House Representative for New York's 7th Congressional District:
Nicole Malliotakis, U.S. House Representative for New York's 11th Congressional District:
"The United States has taken decisive and courageous action against Iran to defend our citizens, interests, and partners after the leading state sponsor of terrorism would not negotiate in good faith or commit to diplomacy over nuclear capabilities.
Iran is responsible for attacks that have killed American civilians and service members and its continuous declarations of "Death to America" while pursuing advanced nuclear capabilities threaten the United States and our allies.
The United States, the Middle East and the world will be a safer and more peaceful place when the oppressive and murderous Iranian regime is eliminated. May God bless our troops as they conduct this courageous and noble mission."
Mike Lawler, U.S. House Representative for New York's 17th Congressional District:
Elise Stefanik, U.S. House Representative for New York's 21st Congressional District:
"As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Intelligence, I have always been consistent that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons capabilities that would threaten the national security of the United States. Iran is the world's largest sponsor of terror and has targeted, killed, and wounded U.S. service members and civilians throughout the Middle East over the past decades including soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division. Additionally, the sick Iran regime controlled by the blood-thirsty ayatollah terrorists have destroyed a nation, continued to pursue nuclear weapons threatening America and all of humanity, slaughtered innocent Iranians, and shed blood across the Middle East including of Americans.
I know President Trump has to make some of the most difficult decisions imaginable and there is no decision more serious that military action to protect our national security and American lives.
God Bless our brave men and women in uniform. The American people are praying for your safety."
Vito Fossella, Staten Island Borough President:
"In light of the ongoing situation in Iran and the Middle East, we have been in touch with the NYPD, which is monitoring developments and increasing police presence at our sensitive areas and houses of worship.
Please be advised that at this time there are no known credible threats to Staten Island.
We thank the dedicated men and women of the NYPD for working proactively to keep us safe.
And, as always, may God continue to bless our U.S. service men and women.
Further, as always, please remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police."
NEW JERSEY:
Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey:
"The safety and security of New Jerseyans is my number one responsibility. As a former Naval officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee in Congress, I know how seriously we must take any decision to use military force.
My office is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel, and elsewhere in the Middle East. At this time, there is no known threat to New Jersey.
I am working closely with Attorney General Davenport, Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle, Director Hauck of our State's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and law enforcement leaders throughout our state. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement will increase patrols at houses of worship and other sensitive sites.
If you have any safety concerns, please contact local law enforcement."
Andy Kim, U.S. Senator for New Jersey:
ALSO WATCH: US lawmakers react to attack on Iran
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