Iran Strikes Prompt Heightened Security In ‘Sensitive’ NJ Locations

The State of New Jersey is adding security to Jewish and Muslim "sensitive places" to guard against retaliation following the United States bombing in Iran over the weekend.

This includes houses of worship, schools and community centers. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin saying on X that this move is out of an "abundance of caution" and that there is "no known threat to public safety in New Jersey at this time."

This is in addition to heightened protection that was already put in place amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

On Sunday night, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) echoed this reassurance, stating in part that "The situation remains highly fluid, and the NJOHSP continues to monitor for potential retaliation...this includes the possibility of cyberattacks and homegrown violent extremists."

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security hosted conference calls on Sunday with governors across the nation, and another with law enforcement on how the strikes might have an effect on an already heightened threat environment, according to ABC News. This comes as the National Terrorism Advisory System also issued a warning of a "heightened threat environment" across the nation. While no specific threats were cited, "low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks."

While all governors were invited to the call, some had staffers sit in on the meeting. Michael Masters, CEO of the Secure Community Network, a Chicago-based organization that helps protect Jewish institutions across the country, also joined the discussion with law enforcement.

Masters said the U.S. government's choice to join Israel's military campaign against Iran "opens up a new chapter for all of us," and that Jewish institutions and Jewish leaders within the U.S. "should be considered at an elevated risk" for retaliatory violence.

Both gubernatorial candidates for New Jersey in November have reacted to the decision to get involved with military strikes.

Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-11th District) is calling out President Trump's choice by saying she is "deeply concerned" that he decided to move forward without Congress's approval.

(@RepSherrill/X)

Sherrill spent almost 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. She flew missions throughout Europe and the Middle East as a Sea King helicopter pilot. Sherrill worked on the Battle Watch Floor in the European Theater during the Iraq invasion.

Republican Jack Ciattarelli praised Trump's move, saying "A nuclear Iran would be a grave threat to Israel, and could further destabilize the Middle East."

(@Jack4NJ/X)

The United States launched itself into the war between Iran and Israel over the weekend, after striking three sites labeled as key nuclear weapon program locations. B-2 stealth bombers, submarines and a decoy plan led to 30,000-pound bombs and cruise missiles leveling into Iran's Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan locations.

Referred to by the Trump administration as "Operation Midnight Hammer," U.S. officials say the “precision strike”...“devastated the Iranian nuclear program,” and said an assessment of damage was ongoing. Iran is denying that any significant damage was delivered, and the Islamic Republic pledged to retaliate.

In an address to the nation later that night, President Trump said Iran can expect "far greater" attacks if it refuses to agree to peace. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," added the president. "Remember, there are many targets left."