NYPD, Nassau, Suffolk and state police boost security at sensitive sites after U.S.-Israel attack on Iran

State police and law enforcement agencies in the metro area are taking extra precautions after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, according to statements from the Suffolk and Nassau police as well as the NYPD.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, in a written statement released about noon, said state police were "increasing their presence" at places like religious centers throughout New York and working "in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners."

Although "there have been no specific, credible threats to New York identified," Hochul's statement said, state law enforcement was continuing "to monitor online activity for any potential threats." 

In a post on X, the NYPD said it was boosting its presence in New York City "out of an abundance of caution." The post says the agency "is closely monitoring events in Iran and the Middle East and coordinating with our federal and international partners," as well as taking steps to preserve local security.

"As is our protocol and 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 posted.

 In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his office was coordinating security measures across New York City agencies.

"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," Mamdani wrote. "We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution." 

A spokesperson for the Nassau County Police Department said it also was increasing patrols. In a statement to Newsday, the agency said it "is working closely with our intelligence and law enforcement partners to actively monitor current events in Iran."

"Additional resources have been deployed and residents will see an increased police presence today, including intensive patrols of houses of worship across Nassau County," the spokesperson said. "There is no direct threat to Nassau County at this time. We remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting our community."

The Suffolk County Police Department is also "increasing patrols and checks at government buildings, religious institutions and critical infrastructure," an agency spokesperson wrote in an email to Newsday.

The spokesperson added: "Although there are currently no credible threats in our area, members of the department are monitoring the situation and are in communication with our law enforcement partners."

 Hochul, in her statement, said state authorities are encouraging "New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity."

"In advance of the Jewish holiday of Purim, State Police remain alert and have already begun outreach to religious organizations to offer support," Hochul wrote.

Hochul's statement did not mention outreach to Muslim religious organizations.

Both Suffolk police and the NYPD also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity.  

The NYPD, in its post on X, asked New Yorkers "to remain vigilant and notify the NYPD of suspicious activity by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 911."