California Governor Gavin Newsom reassures residents that the state faces no immediate threat from Iran, even though the FBI has issued a warning about the potential for Iranian drone attacks in response to military conflict.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In light of an FBI alert warning of possible Iranian drone activity targeting the West Coast, Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed that there is no immediate danger to California.
Newsom emphasized that concerns about drones have consistently been a priority for the state.
“We have been informed of this situation,” Newsom stated on Wednesday. “Our focus remains on being prepared for any worst-case scenarios.”
The FBI’s recent communication with law enforcement agencies highlighted the potential for an attack by Iran on California, although it noted that this information was not verified.
The alert mentioned, “There is a claim that Iran intended to launch a surprise attack using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from an unknown vessel near the U.S. coast, in particular targeting unspecified locations in California, should the U.S. strike Iran.”
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” the alert said.
The alert was posted on X by an FBI spokesperson after a report by ABC News. Separately, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that the message to law enforcement was a tip based on “unverified intelligence.”
“No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did,” Leavitt said Thursday.
President Donald Trump was asked about it Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews.
“It’s being investigated, but you have a lot of things happening. All we can do is take ’em as they come,” Trump said.
Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco said they were monitoring world events for any risks to their cities. Both said they’re working closely with state and federal authorities.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
