Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State is increasing security at sensitive sites in response to ongoing attacks in Iran. She stated that state intelligence agencies are working with local and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of New Yorkers, particularly at places of worship for Jewish and Muslim communities.
“My number one job is keeping New Yorkers safe, and my focus is, right now, very much on the unfolding situation in Iran,” Hochul said during her remarks.
She expressed condolences for American service members who lost their lives in recent events related to the conflict. “First of all, our hearts go out to the family members of the service members — I believe the number is up to four now of American brave heroes who lost their lives in this enterprise — and to those who are now in harm’s way,” she said.
Hochul explained that as a precautionary measure, she directed state intelligence and cyber experts to coordinate with law enforcement agencies. The goal is “to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep locations secure, whether it’s places of worship for the Jewish communities, whether it’s places of worship for the Muslim communities, or any place of gathering — what we think could be under threat. So we’re increasing our presence at sensitive sites.”
Addressing Iranian New Yorkers directly, Hochul said: “I also want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers that you are safe here. We will continue to ensure that you belong here and that you feel that the State of New York is doing everything we can to protect you.” She extended similar assurances to Jewish communities concerned about possible retaliation.
“We’ll not tolerate any hate or retaliation against anyone who calls New York home because of what’s happening,” Hochul added.
The governor criticized Iran’s regime while emphasizing the need for clarity from federal leaders regarding U.S. objectives amid escalating military actions. “Iran’s regime has been abhorrent for decades. It oppresses its own people. It supports terrorism. It threatens our allies and pursues dangerous ambitions… But the scale of what is happening now demands answers.”
She questioned whether current events would lead back into prolonged military engagement: “Is this going to result in boots on the ground? Is this going to return to a time of endless wars that Americans are so tired of? In the President’s own words, he said — on Election Day, he said, ‘No more wars.’ So we have a lot of questions and deserve answers.”
Hochul warned about potential impacts on energy prices due to disruptions near key oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz: “It’s going to have a direct effect on the pump right here in New York State… as New Yorkers are going to again see the impact of these decisions outside their own controls.”
She concluded by calling for careful consideration by national leaders: “We just want — from New York State, we just want honest, steady leadership and to understand that Americans are tired of wars and they do not see how this keeps them safer, which is again my number one priority.”
