U.S. cities step up security amid Iran tensions

Rebecca Falconer

Three MTA police officers in uniform standing and leaning in a busy train station corridor with commuters walking by and digital schedule boards in the background. — Police on duty at the Pennsylvania Station in New York City after the NYPD said it's increasing security in NYC as a precautionary measure following the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran early Saturday. Photo: Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

U.S. counterterrorism and intelligence teams are on high alert and law enforcement in major cities have bolstered security in the wake of this weekend's strikes on Iran.

The big picture: FBI director Kash Patel instructed federal counterterrorism and intelligence to "mobilize all assisting security assets needed" after placing them on high alert Saturday, per a post to X, while law enforcement in D.C., New York City and Los Angeles are among those to take additional steps.

The announcements come amid reports that a gunman in an early Sunday mass shooting that the FBI is investigating in Austin, Texas, wore a shirt with an Iranian flag design.

State of play: North Carolina's Camp Lejeune said on Facebook Sunday that due to "ongoing operations in the Middle East," the commander of U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) "has directed all installations to implement heightened security measures at all entry gates until further notice."

In D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department said on X Saturday it's "actively coordinating" with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to "safeguard" people and businesses in the city.

Metro Transit Police announced on X Sunday there would be an "increased police presence" at stations in the Washington, D.C., area "response to military operations abroad."
When asked for comment on reports that U.S. Capitol Police would enhance security measures from Sunday night, a spokesperson told Axios the federal law enforcement agency had been "operating in a heightened threat environment for a long time" and that its staff remained focused as they work around the clock.
"Although, for safety reasons we cannot provide specific details about our increased security posture, we continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to carry out our critical mission," the spokesperson added in the Sunday evening email.

In NYC, the NYPD said on X Saturday 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."

In LA, Mayor Karen Bass said on Bluesky Saturday the "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."

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U.S. cities step up security amid Iran tensions

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