Richmond, VA – Virginia State Police are urging residents to remain vigilant as national security officials warn of elevated threats stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin issued Saturday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified a heightened threat environment influenced by pro-Iranian cyber activity and potential homeland violence. The advisory, which will remain in effect through September 22, 2025, cites the potential for low-level cyberattacks targeting U.S. networks and government entities.
The bulletin warns that Iranian-affiliated cyber actors may exploit poorly secured infrastructure in the U.S., while lone actors or extremist groups could be inspired to carry out violence in response to U.S. involvement overseas. The advisory notes that some recent domestic threats have been linked to anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment.
Virginia State Police are promoting the use of the Virginia Fusion Center SHIELD Program, a free resource designed to equip residents with up-to-date safety information and awareness tools. The SHIELD initiative encourages public participation under the motto “If You See Something, Say Something.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. law enforcement has already disrupted several Iranian-linked plots since 2020. Authorities are especially concerned about possible retaliatory actions if Iran’s leadership issues a religious directive calling for violence against U.S. targets.
The advisory also references increased propaganda from foreign terrorist organizations including HAMAS, Hizballah, the Houthis, and others, some of which have explicitly called for attacks on U.S. assets.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement or use federal reporting tools such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative.
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