California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders have stated there is no imminent threat to the state from Iran, following an FBI alert about a potential drone attack that was based on unverified information. The FBI's warning, sent to local police and reported by ABC News, caused significant anxiety and confusion, but officials have since emphasised there was no credible threat.
The FBI alert, shared with a joint terrorism taskforce, mentioned unverified information that Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the US coast, targeting unspecified locations in California. The FBI stated it had no additional information on timing, method, target, or perpetrators.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the original alert was about a single, unverified tip and that no such threat from Iran to the US homeland exists. An FBI spokesperson confirmed the information was unverified, noting that such alerts are regularly shared between law enforcement agencies and are meant to be internal.
Governor Newsom said drone concerns have always been top of mind and that it is about preparedness for worst-case scenarios. The Los Angeles Police Department said there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles, though organisers of the Oscars ceremony increased security out of an abundance of caution, and the LA sheriff's department increased patrols around prominent locations.
House Democrats criticised the administration's lack of transparency and coordination, saying it created chaos and confusion. Representative Eric Swalwell said it reinforced how unprepared the administration was for this war, while Representative Lou Correa questioned whether the US is prepared to defend its population against such threats, verified or unverified.
