New York on High Alert: Governor Hochul Activated Counterterrorism Measures Yesterday Amid Iran Conflict Escalation

 June 23, 2025 – In a direct response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) warning of a "heightened threat environment," New York Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday activated a sweeping array of counterterrorism measures across the state. The move placed all State agencies, utilities, and critical infrastructure facilities on high alert, emphasizing a proactive stance to protect the populous state from potential repercussions of the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.

Governor Hochul, following a briefing with her senior public safety team and consultations with federal and local government officials, affirmed the state's readiness. "My top priority is the safety of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul stated in an official release yesterday. "We are not aware of any specific or credible threat to New Yorkers. However, given New York's distinctive global profile, we are taking this situation extraordinarily seriously."

Key Measures Activated Yesterday:

• Elevated Alert Status: All State agencies, public utilities, and other critical infrastructure facilities are now operating under a heightened state of alert, instructed to monitor for any possible disturbances or suspicious activity.
• Transportation Security Enhanced: As a precautionary measure, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey activated enhanced counterterrorism protections. This includes increased patrols, surveillance, and coordination with local law enforcement across the vast transportation networks they manage, which include subways, buses, commuter rail lines, bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports.
• Increased State Police Presence: The New York State Police intensified safety patrols yesterday, particularly outside houses of worship and other "at-risk sites" throughout the state. These efforts, the Governor noted, build upon heightened security measures already in place since the initial onset of the Israel-Iran crisis.
• Cybersecurity Vigilance: Hochul also highlighted that the state's cybersecurity experts are working closely with federal partners to guard against potential cyberattacks, a threat specifically identified in the DHS bulletin.

The Governor acknowledged the fear and uncertainty felt by many New Yorkers, particularly those with close ties to the Middle East. "We have some of America's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, and many have loved ones in the region," she said. "As we work to keep New Yorkers safe, we pray for the safety of our American troops, for speedy de-escalation of this conflict, and for durable peace in the region."

This swift action by New York's leadership yesterday reflects the immediate impact of the federal warnings on a local level, demonstrating a robust effort to enhance security and reassure residents amidst global geopolitical instability.