NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies have stepped up security in New York City and beyond as war rages between Israel and Hamas.
While multiple officials have confirmed there's no known specific or credible threat to New York, the NYPD Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau believes the war in Israel necessitates "may resonate with malicious actors in the West, necessitating elevated vigilance by law enforcement officers, private-sector security personnel, and community partners," according to an assessment of the conflict obtained by ABC News senior investigative reporter Aaron Katersky.
Extremist groups across the ideological spectrum may seek to capitalize on the ongoing violence after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel over the weekend, leaving hundreds of civilians dead, and Israel declared war on the militant group, the assessment said.
New Yorkers should expect to see heightened security at locations like synagogues and mosques, as well as Israeli and Palestinian government and cultural locations, community events and demonstrations.
William Lawrence, a former State Department official who teaches at American University in Washington, told ABC News that the war poses challenges for law enforcement in the U.S.
"You can expect peaceful protests that go further, and you can expect threats to various communities and to places of worship," Lawrence said.
New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel as well as a large Muslim population. It's also home to major diplomatic institutions like the U.N. and numerous consulates.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said over the weekend that she had directed New York State Police to work with local law enforcement agencies on security. She said her administration has been in contact with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Mayor Eric Adams said his office was corresponding with the NYPD and religious leaders across the five boroughs. He directed the police department to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship.
The Anti-Defamation League said antisemitic incidents in the U.S. reached an all-time high last year, spiking 36%, and there are concerns the unfolding conflict could only make things worse.
"As soon as those explosions start going off in Israel, word gets back and immediately resources start to move," Ken Corey, the former NYPD Chief of Department who is now an adviser to Secure Community Network, told Katersky.
"I'm worried about the copycat," Corey said. "I'm worried about the sympathizer. I'm worried about somebody who's angry at what happened and retaliates on people from the Palestinian community or against Muslims more broadly. I am certainly concerned about white supremacist organizations. I'm concerned about hate crimes."
Israel formally declared war on Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for Saturday's surprise attack. More than 1,100 people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides.