Los Angeles police officials say they are increasing patrols and elevating a threat risk after the FBI warns that California could be a target of retaliatory strikes
Los Angeles law enforcement officials are increasing patrols as California’s threat level is elevated based on an FBI warning that the state could be a target for retaliatory strikes connected to Operation Epic Fury military actions in Iran.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force sent memos to police departments in late February that Iran allegedly “aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”
The Los Angeles field office declined to comment, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said “in light of current global events,” the department has initiated an “elevated level of readiness.”
“We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to share intelligence and monitor the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and assess any potential impacts in our communities,” LA County Sheriff’s Department officials said in a statement. Deputies will be “attentive to all potential threats, including lone-actor attacks, sleeper cells, and advanced technological or cyber-related threats.”
Governor Gavin Newsom said he is working with the state’s Office of Emergency Services, along with local authorities, to “protect our communities.”
The FBI did post an unusual video to X on Wednesday about warning signs for a potential mass shooting.
Before most mass attacks, attackers often show concerning behaviors or exhibit signs that they are on a path to violence. You may be in a unique position to observe these signs in someone you know. Knowing the signs and sharing your concerns could be the key to preventing an… pic.twitter.com/14Lzft4zgo
— FBI (@FBI) March 11, 2026