After U.S., Israel strike Iran, NYPD steps up patrols at sensitive locations

The NYPD says it will be stepping up patrols at sensitive locations throughout New York City after the United States and Israel launched strikes against the Islamic regime in Iran early Saturday morning. 

The New York Police Department made no mention of any specific threats toward the city, nor did it share specific locations where the enhanced security might be deployed. 

"The NYPD is closely monitoring events in Iran and the Middle East and coordinating with our federal and international partners. As is our protocol and out of an abundance of caution, we will be enhancing patrols to sensitive locations throughout the city, including diplomatic, cultural, religious, and other relevant sites. As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and notify the NYPD of suspicious activity by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 911," the NYPD posted on social media.

Rebecca Weiner, deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism for the NYPD, said they've been in close contact with their partners over the last few weeks to prepare for a possible escalation.

"We've been in heightened threat environment since the hostilities commenced. This is obviously a large development, [Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]'s purported death," she said. "As long as we're in a heightened threat, we're going to have enhanced deployments, patrol resources, specialized resources, the help of partners. And we're gonna see over the coming days how what's happening overseas impacts our city."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the New York State Police are also boosting their presence statewide "at religious, cultural and diplomatic sites." 

She said "there are no credible threats at this time."

A protest against the war in Times Square drew crowds Saturday afternoon. They gathered there at around 2 p.m. and were on the move about an hour later.