The NYPD has sent additional patrols to “sensitive locations throughout the city” early Saturday in response to the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran, fearing reprisals from the new Middle East conflict.
“The NYPD is closely monitoring events in Iran and the Middle East and coordinating with our federal and international partners,” the NYPD said on X.
The additional patrols were mobilized out of “an abundance of caution.”
Spots getting extra protection will include “diplomatic, cultural, religious and other relevant sites,” the department said.
In a video message posted early Saturday, President Trump announced the “United States military began major combat operations in Iran” with Israel.
”Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a viscous group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said.
A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
The president warned that “lives of courageous American heroes may be lost” in the ensuing conflict, which began with bombing raids on Iran’s capital around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump encouraged the people of Iran to rise up and “seize control of your destiny” by taking the country back from the Islamic leaders that have ruled since 1979.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” Trump said in his video. “For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it.”
The president’s attack on Iran has already drawn harsh criticism by New York’s elected officials, including Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn), who said “Donald Trump has gone violently and derangedly rogue.”
“Without any imminent threat to our nation, without the approval of Congress, and without any regard for the American service members and innocent people who will die because of his orders, he has launched his illegal war on Iran,” Clarke wrote on X. “The president’s reckless and ruinous act will take American lives and drag this country towards another devastating, endless war that the American people do not want and would never agree to.”
The NYPD is asking the public to “remain vigilant” during this conflict and alert the police to any suspicious activity by calling 911 or (888) NYC-SAFE.
With News Wire Services