NYPD enhances patrols due to Jewish holiday, security concerns after Iran attack
NYPD is increasing patrols at diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, religious sites, and elsewhere amid the attack on Iran
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The NYPD is on high alert in response to the attacks on Iran and police are stepping up patrols at houses of worship and other sensitive locations.
Adding to the tension is the fact that Monday marks the start of the Jewish holiday of Purim and synagogues across the city will host celebrations.
The NYPD said Monday it would maintain "enhanced high visibility patrols" due to the heightened threat environment, and will deploy "extra resources to Jewish sites and neighborhoods across the five boroughs."
Experts believe the Iranians will continue to hit back at targets around the world and they say the risk here in New York is real.
"We're looking really carefully at any threats and following up on leads and making sure that we're staying ahead of any threat that might materialize here in our city," said NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner.
The attack on Iran has killed hundreds of Iranians, including the nation's Supreme Leader and key commanders. But Iranian missiles continue to rain down on Israel and several Gulf states.
Local and federal law enforcement must assume that Iran can coordinate terrorist attacks and conduct cyber warfare.
Power grids and water supply infrastructure and among many likely targets.
"Things like getting into the system of a dam in Pennsylvania, a children's hospital in Boston and other things like that, presumably they have capabilities like those that they've been sitting on," said Matthew Levitt, Ph.D, with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
The NYPD is stepping up security at a number of locations throughout the city -- from the Israeli Mission to the UN, to prominent synagogues and transportation hubs.
"This is all in the mode of prevention and preemption, but if there is a specific or credible threat that requires us to message to the public to avoid an area, then we will certainly do that," Weiner said.
A high-profile presence is intended to deter an attack or to respond quickly should one take place.
Over the weekend, a man opened fire in Texas, killing two people and wounding 14 others. Authorities say the gunman may have been inspired by the US attack on Iran.
"The resources that we're deploying, again this is to deter any would-be bad actor whether it's a 'lone wolf' type of person who's inspired by what's happening overseas and wants to take action here or something that's more concerted or planned," Weiner said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul also said Monday the attack on Iran could make New York State and its communities a target.
"There could be retaliation from these efforts, and not just on the fields in Iran and the Middle East, we are a vulnerable state, we have a very vulnerable target in New York City, we've known that for a long time, but also there could be lone actors," Hochul said. "This is a high state of alert for us."
She told Iranian New Yorkers, "you are safe here, and we will continue to ensure that you belong here ... and the same with Jewish communities, who also feel that there could be retribution against them."
Authorities say there are no credible threats in New York City, but they're urging the public to stay vigilant.
If you see an unattended bag or suspicious behavior in a large crowd, alert law enforcement by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 911.
And stay vigilant in large gathering places or at symbolic American institutions like Wall Street, the New York Public Library, a transit hub or a museum.
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