U.S. Cities Taking Precautions for Potential Physical Threats

U.S. authorities have said there is no imminent threat of attacks, either physical or cyber, in the wake of the killing of a prominent Iranian military commander on Friday and vows by the Iranian government that it will retaliate. Additionally, the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin that was released on Saturday stated that there is currently “no information indicating a specific, credible threat to the Homeland.” Still, realizing the potential for physical attacks, numerous cities are taking precautionary measures. In New York City, Mayor Bill De Blasio noted that Iranian proxies, such as the Hezbollah militant group, have previously scouted locations for an attack there. Police in the city were on “heightened vigilance,” with more uniformed officers, some heavily armed with long guns, at sensitive areas. Chicago increased security at airports and encouraged residents to stay vigilant for potential threats. Similarly, Los Angeles asked people to remain on alert and noted it was monitoring events in Iran. Read the article at Reuters.

During today’s “Public and Private Sector Call” convened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), CISA Director Chris Krebs encouraged critical infrastructure stakeholders to be especially mindful of protecting “soft targets,” places where equipment or personnel might be particularly vulnerable to an attack. He pointed to his agency’s recently released “Insights” document, Increased Geopolitical Tensions and Threats, which contains lists of protective measures in its “Things to do Today” and “Actions for Physical Protection” sections. He also reminded his audience of other CISA resources, including its Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places – Resource Guide, numerous products and materials through its Active Shooter Preparedness program, and the Protective Security Advisor (PSA) program that can connect critical infrastructure operators to invaluable tools like training and exercises and in-person security assessments.