Concerns Over Potential Drone Threats to California Addressed
California Governor Gavin Newsom and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both stated that, despite an FBI warning about possible drone strikes from Iran, there is currently no immediate threat to California.
On Wednesday, Newsom shared on social media that he is in “constant coordination with security and intelligence officials” from California’s Office of Emergency Services and other agencies concerned with the Middle Eastern conflict. He wants to ensure that California remains vigilant against any potential threats.
“While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state,” Newsom emphasized.
He also expressed ongoing concern about drone-related issues, noting that specific work groups have been established to address these matters.
The FBI recently alerted law enforcement agencies that Iran might attempt to conduct drone strikes from an unspecified vessel near the U.S. coast, particularly targeting California, should the U.S. launch attacks against Iran. Notably, California hosts the highest number of military bases in the country, with more than 30 significant defense installations.
“Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States, specifically against unspecified targets in California,” the FBI’s alert stated, according to reports. It also noted that there was no further information about the timing, methods, or identities behind the threat.
In response to the FBI’s alert, Leavitt urged ABC News to retract its report regarding the possible drone strikes, insisting there is “no such threat from Iran to our homeland.”
“They reported this based on a single email to local law enforcement in California about one unverified tip. This critical detail was omitted in their story,” Leavitt pointed out in a post on X. “TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did.”
Leavitt further criticized the media narrative, asking for immediate corrections, claiming it incited unnecessary alarm among the public.
Retired Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Mike Nelson, with substantial experience in U.S. Central Command, remarked that the alert represents just “one of many potential disruptions” Iran could attempt in the U.S.
