Iran assault on Israel: Police on Long Island, in New York City increase patrols

Police in Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York City increased patrols Saturday around the area’s Jewish institutions, including synagogues, in response to the Iranian armed drone and ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to statements released by the departments.

Additional units will be deployed if needed, they said via email.

All three departments said there were no credible threats on Long Island or in the city.

Iran’s state-run news agency, IRNA, said it had launched missiles on sites in Israel, the first direct military strike by the Muslim country on the Jewish nation. Additionally, 100 drones also were sent to Israel by Iran, according to The Associated Press. Some of those have been shot down by the American military, the wire service said. 

In Nassau, “County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder have been in conversations since yesterday with regard to any lone wolf attacks,” police spokesman Richard LeBrun said in an email. “The police department has increased their security measures around synagogues and all houses of worship.”

“The NYPD continues to closely monitor recent events in Israel,” that department said in a statement. “While there are no credible threats to NYC at this time, we will continue to deploy resources to houses of worship and sensitive locations throughout the city."

The police departments encouraged residents to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity.

“We continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement intelligence partners to ensure that all Nassau residents are able to observe their faith in a safe environment,” LeBrun said.