Following the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, which even targeted civilians, security agencies in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, are strengthening security in preparation for possible attacks on Jewish and Muslim religious facilities in the area.
According to CNN, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security are known to be sending a ‘Public Safety Concern’ bulletin to each state and local law enforcement authorities to pay attention and check the impact of this incident on the situation in the United States.
LASD has begun to increase patrol manpower. “We are deploying additional patrol personnel in our jurisdiction while also working closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation,” LASD headquarters said in a statement via X. The Santa Monica Police Department, where many Jews live, has begun regular inspections to prepare for emergencies, including increasing the number of patrol vehicles.
Local politicians, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, strongly condemned Hamas’ attacks. “Los Angeles has the second-largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and many families are anxiously watching to see how the situation unfolds,” Mayor Bath said in his statement. “My heart is with them.”