List of US Cities Raising Security Amid Iran Conflict

newsweek.com · Mar 2, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Law enforcement agencies across the United States have increased patrols following escalating tensions involving Iran, as federal authorities warn of a potentially elevated threat environment.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Newsweek, "I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland."The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has circulated an internal bulletin to law enforcement partners warning that the conflict could inspire lone actors or small-scale cyber activity inside the United States, according to a memo obtained by ABC News."Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions—or calls to action—if reports of the Ayatollah's death are confirmed," the bulletin said, according to ABC.The United States and Israel began a series of military strikes against targets in Iran on Saturday. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks, according to Iranian state media. U.S. Central Command said four American service members were killed and five others wounded during Operation Epic Fury...."In the short-term, we are most concerned that Iran-aligned hacktivists will conduct low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks, such as website defacements and distributed denial-of-service attacks," the bulletin said.According to ABC News, the DHS bulletin said physical attacks by individuals inspired by Iran were uncommon. Officials said the "lone offenders in the [United States] have not historically been motivated by issues related to Iran, the IRGC, or Shia violent extremism." However, the bulletin added that "the existential threat to the Iranian regime and increased U.S. or Israeli actions could prompt some U.S.-based violent extremists or hate crime perpetrators to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the U.S. government or military."The FBI has also placed its counterterrorism and intelligence personnel on heightened alert, directing Joint Terrorism Task Forces nationwide to coordinate closely with local authorities, according to national reporting.The State Department has urged Americans both at home and abroad to "exercise increased caution" in light of the military action, noting that travel disruptions and security alerts may affect U.S. citizens across the Middle East.At the local level, police departments in several major cities have announced stepped-up security measures, largely through social media posts and public statements.The New York City Police Department wrote on social media that it was "closely monitoring" the situation, and that "out of an abundance of caution, we will be enhancing patrols to sensitive locations throughout the city, including diplomatic, cultural, religious, and other relevant sites."The department said there were no known credible threats at this time.In Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement on X that it was coordinating with federal partners and had adjusted its security posture as needed. The department said officers remained prepared to increase their presence at sensitive locations if circumstances warranted. The Metro Transit Police Department said in a statement on X on Sunday that there would be an "increased police presence" at transit stations across the Washington, D.C., area in response to military operations abroad.On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Police Department has deployed additional patrols near houses of worship, community centers and other public gathering spaces, according to Mayor Karen Bass."We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles' public safety amid military action in the Middle East. While there are no known credible threats at this time, LAPD has stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces, and other areas of the city, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our city," Bass wrote on social media.The Philadelphia Police Department similarly said it had increased patrol visibility at religious and cultural sites while continuing to monitor intelligence from federal partners. Officials said no specific threats had been identified locally.In New Jersey, the Paterson Police Department wrote on Facebook that it was "closely monitoring the evolving situation" in Iran and the broader Middle East. The department told residents there were "presently no specific threats" to the city, but that—out of an abundance of caution—it would increase patrols in sensitive areas, including houses of worship, in coordination with state and federal partners. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.In the Delaware Valley region, law enforcement agencies have also increased patrols at religious and cultural centers after the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott announced enhanced protective measures for critical infrastructure and cybersecurity resources statewide. Abbott directed the Texas Military Department to activate personnel to assist state and federal partners in protecting critical infrastructure, according to a news release.In the early hours of Sunday, a gunman opened fire outside a bar in the city's Sixth Street entertainment district, killing multiple people and wounding others before being fatally shot by police. Fox News reported the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt that said, "Property of Allah."In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. 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