Here’s why California authorities are beefing up security after US kills Iran general
California authorities say that they’re ramping up security at “transit hubs and other key potential targets” after a U.S. airstrike killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Law enforcement told the Times that authorities are monitoring Iranian officials and assets located in Southern California, but that there aren’t any “credible threats” in the region. Authorities are also looking into the possibility of cyber attacks, which could impact the state.
California state officials are monitoring security risks as well, but said Friday that “there are currently no specific threats against our state as a result of the events in the Middle East.”
“While we understand that the unfolding events overseas can create a sense of unease, Californians should rest assured that, as always, the state is working non-stop to assess and manage all risks to the people of state, our resources and our critical infrastructure,” Mark Ghilarducci, director of the governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said in a statement.
“We encourage all Californians to remain vigilant and if you ‘see something, say something’ by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”
The Pentagon confirmed on Jan. 2 that a U.S. airstrike carried out by a drone killed Soleimani, who heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to CNN. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “harsh revenge” for Soleimani’s death, according to an official statement, CNN reported.
“His pure blood was shed in the hands of the most depraved of human beings,” Khamenei said.
The Los Angeles Police Department also released a statement on its official Twitter account on Jan. 3.
“While there is no credible threat to Los Angeles, the LAPD is monitoring the events developing in Iran,” the statement said. “We will continue to communicate with state, local, federal and international law enforcement partners regarding any significant intel that may develop.”
More than 40 percent of the country’s Iranian population lives in California, according to US Census Bureau data, the Associated Press reported. A Los Angeles neighborhood is known as “Tehrangeles” for its big Iranian community.
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Here’s why California authorities are beefing up security after US kills Iran general."
