An FBI memo warning of potential Iranian drone attacks on California sparked concern but did not indicate an immediate threat. Officials remain prepared fo
Background and Context
An FBI memorandum warning of potential Iranian drone attacks on California sparked concern but did not indicate an immediate threat, according to multiple U.S. and California law enforcement and intelligence officials. The memo, issued a week prior to the memo's public disclosure, was distributed to local law enforcement by the FBI's Los Angeles office.
Lack of Specific Threat
There is no known, specific threat underpinning the warning, officials stated. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed preparedness, noting, "While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state." The warning, stemming from an unspecified tip, suggested that Iran "allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran."
Method and Historical Context
The FBI had no additional information on the potential "timing, method, target, or perpetrators," according to the memo. The warning was issued during the height of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, prompting concerns about Iranian retaliation. Samantha Vinograd, a CBS News contributor and former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat protection, highlighted Iran's extensive drone arsenal and its history of drone attacks, including the recent strikes on U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Official Statements and Reactions
A California-based federal law enforcement official told CBS News that the warning is "not actionable." "This is unverified," another official emphasized, noting the absence of detailed information on timing, source, method, or target. Vinograd underscored that the warning's unverified nature and lack of specificity made it not actionable. "We have no indication that the FBI was sharing information on an imminent threat," she stated.
FBI's Information Sharing Practices
The FBI regularly shares intelligence with local law enforcement to ensure awareness of the broader threat landscape. This practice, according to Harp, a former FBI special agent, is standard and designed to prepare agencies for potential threats. "If they have any inkling that there is information out there, they're going to broadcast it," Harp explained. "It doesn't have to be 100% accurate. But what they want to get out there is at least a warning to make sure that there is some preparation and notice that goes out."
Preparedness and Monitoring
California officials remain vigilant. The Los Angeles Police Department stated, "At this time, there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles." Governor Newsom's office confirmed the memo was one of many daily security updates from federal partners, disseminated to local law enforcement and emergency responders.
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