New York City is “on maximum alert” after Iran attack, mayor says
Although there are no specific threats, the New York Police Department has increased its presence at religious sites throughout the city.
Mayor Eric Adams said New York City police are on “high alert” amid concerns of retaliation on U.S. soil following U.S. attacks on Iran.
That’s because the New York City metropolitan area has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, so it’s no surprise that the U.S. bombing of Iran is setting off alarm bells.
“There are no notable threats directly impacting the city, but you always have to watch out for lone wolves,” Adams said.
The mayor said he’s taking seriously Washington’s warnings that Iran could activate sleeper cells here to seek revenge for the attacks.
“We’re always concerned about sleeper cells,” Adams said. “We’re going to make sure we’re focusing on those.”
Police are working with federal authorities and will pay special attention to places linked to the Jewish and Persian communities, as well as any that might draw the general public, such as Times Square, he said.
New York City authorities are “on high alert,” the mayor says
City officials are also aware of warnings about a possible Iranian cyberattack on U.S.-based networks, he said.
But city leaders don’t want New Yorkers to become so fearful that they won’t go outdoors.
“Public safety is their top priority here in the city, and we want New Yorkers to be able to go about their business,” said Kaz Daughtry, deputy mayor for public safety, in a separate interview.
Authorities will monitor potential threats, work with state and federal partners, and deploy where needed, Adams said. He added that the public can help by reporting suspicious activity.
"We're intensifying our efforts," Adams said. "We're on high alert."