War Leads To Higher Security Across Rockland County

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As the war between Hamas and Israel continues, security has been heightened across the county and the state near Jewish houses of worship and schools.

"We're worried about copycats," Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco told The Journal News Monday.

The Rockland District Attorney’s Office Crime Analysis Center is supporting local law enforcement agencies by providing real-time analysis, criminal intelligence, and crucial information to ensure streamlined and informed operations, DA Thomas Walsh said Tuesday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Israeli victims of this horrifying attack, the injured, the kidnapped, and everyone affected by this barbaric terrorist act," he said.

He asked if you see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, contact your local police department or submit an anonymous tip using the Rockland County DA Tip 411 line. Simply text 847411 (tip411), enter the keyword 'ROCKLANDCODA,' followed by a space and your tip information, then press send. You can also download the RocklandCo DA app for iPhone and Android to submit anonymous tips from a smartphone or tablet.

Elsewhere, New Yorkers who see suspicious activity should report it immediately through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ “Safeguard New York” website here. People can also call 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697) to submit a tip or report it here.

Following a Tuesday morning briefing from New York State Police at the New York State Intelligence Center in the Capital Region, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the NYSP are also working with local law enforcement and other security partners to track threats posted on social media and to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.

While there are no credible threats at this time, online monitoring has shown increased chatter from Neo-Nazis, white supremacists and pro-Hamas extremists, she said.

Anyone who has received bias-motivated threats or experienced harassment or discrimination should contact the Hate Crimes Task Force by calling 1-888-392-3644 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday or texting “HATE” to 81336. Reports can also be filed online here. If you need to report a crime or fear for your immediate safety, call 911 immediately.

Hochul also reiterated calls on social media companies to focus on these threats and to increase platform moderation in order to prevent the proliferation of hateful content.

Israel’s military said Tuesday that it had regained effective control over its south and the border with the Gaza Strip four days after Hamas fighters stormed into the country and brought gunbattles to its streets for the first time in decades, the Associated Press reported.

The declaration came as the Israeli Defense Forces sought to make good on the government's vow to hunt down the militants and to intensify an assault on densely populated Gaza, the Palestinian territory ruled by Hamas and home to 2 million people, according to the AP.

In Israel and beyond, the families of more than 150 people kidnapped by Hamas and other militant groups feared for the lives of their loved ones, the Associated Press reported. The armed wing of Hamas has warned it will kill one of the hostages every time Israel’s military bombs civilian targets in Gaza without warning.

The conflict already has killed hundreds on both sides, the AP said. The Israeli military said more than 1,000 people have died in Israel since Saturday's incursion. In Gaza and the West Bank, 830 people have been killed, according to authorities there.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.