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The NYPD said it is ramping up security at Jewish sites across New York City after Israel launched strikes on Iran overnight.
The precautionary measures aim to protect Jewish communities amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
“As a precautionary step, we’re assigning more personnel to various Jewish, Israeli, and other locations throughout New York City,” the NYPD posted on X late Thursday while the incidents were taking place.
The NYPD announced it is enhancing protection at Jewish locations throughout New York City following Israel’s overnight military actions in Iran. This increased police presence was noted outside a synagogue earlier this month.
“My priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,” Hochul wrote on X.
There has also been increased security outside the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., Fox 5 reported.
The Community Security Service, an organization that equips volunteer security personnel in synagogues across New York City and other American cities, advised its network to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. It also urged reviewing security measures and asking for more police presence.
The heightened tensions across the state come as Israel carried out targeted attacks on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.
The strikes took out at least 20 senior Iranian commanders, including Gen. Hossein Salami, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as well as several nuclear scientists.
Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP/Vahid Salemi)
The sweeping strikes, called “Operation Rising Lion,” followed months of attempted and seemingly failed nuclear negotiations.
Following Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran, the Navy directed the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to begin sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean and has directed a second destroyer to begin moving closer to Israel as well, a U.S. official tells Fox News.
This echoes a move the US made in April 2024 after Iran shot ballistic missiles at Israel. At the time, USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke shot down the missiles.
Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.
