Police On Guard Against Terror Attacks After U.S. Kills Iranian General

U.S. law enforcement officials say the first step is for various Joint Terrorism Task Forces — groupings of local police and the FBI — to check in with their Hezbollah sources and with sources in Iran or sympathetic communities. They will want to know whether any Hezbollah-connected individuals who have been investigated previously may need a second look in light of Soleimani's death.

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While law enforcement agencies in the United States have not announced immediate plans to boost visible police presence in light of a strike that killed a top Iranian commander in Iraq, multiple agencies have told NBC News they are keeping a watchful eye on events overseas and will adjust as appropriate or as intelligence warrants.

U.S. law enforcement officials say the first step is for various Joint Terrorism Task Forces — groupings of local police and the FBI — to check in with their Hezbollah sources and with sources in Iran or sympathetic communities. They will want to know whether any Hezbollah-connected individuals who have been investigated previously may need a second look in light of Soleimani's death.

The New York City Police Department said it is monitoring the situation in Iran.

"While there are no specific or credible threats in New York City, the Department has deployed additional resources to sensitive locations across the city out of an abundance of caution," spokeswoman Devora Kaye said in a statement.

The Los Angeles Police Department said on Twitter there is no credible threat to the city, but that it was monitoring events developing in Iraq.

Law enforcement sources told The Los Angeles Times that agencies have stepped up patrols at transit hubs and other key potential targets, which is a standard response to terrorist acts and other national security threats. The sources also said they are aware of Iranian officials and assets in the Southern California region and were monitoring them.

Another area they are watching is possible cyberattacks, which they believe would be more likely to affect California.

The Los Angeles area is home of the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. While hundreds shared the LAPD's message on social media, many deemed it an unnecessary provocation of fear in a city that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 87,000 people of Iranian descent call home.

Los Angeles port police are monitoring developments in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard and state and other local law enforcement agencies.

In Long Beach, police will increase visibility and perform additional patrols throughout the weekend. Public information officer Jennifer De Prez said that while there is no direct connection to the city of Long Beach and developments in Iran, the public is asked to alert police if they see something suspicious.

 

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