US law enforcement boosts security amid Jewish holidays, Middle East tensions

Police departments across the United States have increased patrols in Jewish communities and at places of worship due to Iran’s latest attack on Israel and the start of the Jewish high holidays.

The increased police presence is a precautionary measure, not based on specific threats, but to deter potential violence, officials said. Law enforcement officials are concerned about “lone wolf” attackers amid a heightened threat environment.

The New York City Police Department assumed an increased patrol posture on Monday, which is expected to be maintained throughout the next two weeks. The department will also partner with state police for explosive detection missions at bridges and tunnels, and helicopter units will be used for radiation detection.

Also Read: X (formerly Twitter) valuation plummets 79% to $9.4 billion

In Los Angeles, the police department has routinely increased its presence at both Jewish and Muslim houses of worship based on turmoil in the Middle East. The department recently participated in a security town hall with Jewish community leaders to discuss the ramping up of patrols during the religious holidays.

The Chicago Police Department plans to give “special attention to houses of worship” and will be monitoring all activity. “While there is no actionable intelligence at this time, we will have an increased police presence to ensure the city’s faith communities are not only safe, but feel safe,” the department said in a statement.

In Miami Beach, the police department has heightened its uniformed presence across the city to ensure public safety. The Philadelphia Police Department is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and has taken proactive measures, including increased patrols around local Jewish and Islamic places of worship and community centres.

Recall that over 180 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran on Tuesday with missiles hitting Central Israel and flying over Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to hit back. “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it,”