The mayor of Washington said there are “no immediate” threats to the city after the United States killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said law enforcement and Homeland Security “will remain in close contact with regional and federal partners to monitor evolving events — both at home and abroad.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe revenge” for his top general’s death. Soleimani, 62, was killed in Baghdad on Thursday night by an MQ-9 Reaper drone.
Some current and former U.S. officials have cautioned that Iran could attack Americans on U.S. soil, including former CIA acting director Michael Morell.
Iran could target a senior American official in a terrorist attack, which could be carried out in the U.S., Morell said.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, noted that Iran has “sleeper cells” inside the U.S. that could retaliate.
Chad Wolf, the acting Homeland Security secretary, said as of Friday he is not aware of any “specific” or “credible” threats on U.S. soil.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said there would be heightened security around the city but that there are no credible threats to the city.
“If you see something, say something,” de Blasio said.
Bowser also urged the public to contact law enforcement about any suspicious activity.
