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California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, reassured that there is no immediate danger to the state, despite an FBI alert suggesting that Iran might deploy drones to the West Coast in retaliation for conflict.
Newsom highlighted that concerns about drones remain a priority.
“We are aware of the situation,” Newsom stated on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). “Our focus is on being prepared for the most severe scenarios.”
The alert indicated that Iran purportedly planned a surprise assault using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) launched from an undisclosed location near the U.S. coast, targeting unspecified sites in California should the U.S. initiate strikes against Iran.
“Currently, there is no further information regarding the timing, methods, or specific targets and individuals involved in this alleged threat,” the alert detailed.
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 on 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.
Special information bulletins from the FBI are fairly common and can cover everything from possible security issues to recommendations for officer awareness around fentanyl that were sent out when the drug began to proliferate the streets, said Jonathan Kohlhepp, an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Depending on international conflicts, they can be issued monthly or even a few times a month, but urgent information is communicated much differently, he said.
“Generally, bulletins are sent to raise awareness for local law enforcement on something that has hit the FBI’s radar that they feel has enough credibility that they just want to raise that awareness,” said Kohlhepp, who served on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Taskforce.
If the information required urgent or immediate action, Kohlhepp said the FBI would be more likely to arrange a conference call with the needed partners or make more urgent contact.
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.
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