New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) on Friday told his residents that the City faces an unprecedented threat because the Trump administration killed Iranian terrorist Qassem Soleimani, which is why the NYPD has been put on "high alert."
"We are now potentially facing a threat that's different and greater than anything we have faced previously. As of last night, we are dealing with a different reality. And I said it last night, we're in, at this point, a de facto state of war between the United States of America and Iran," de Blasio explained during a press conference. "But we have never confronted in recent decades the reality of a war with a government of a large country with the international terror network at its behest. And no one has to be reminded that New York City is the number one terror target in the United States. I'm saying this because New Yorkers deserve to know that we've entered into a different reality."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) gave his warning to residents following the death of Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/5BQ1y0jLbz
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 4, 2020
De Blasio followed up his press conference with a set of tweets, saying the NYPD is on "high alert" and there will be "heightened security" throughout the city. He also used the opportunity to make his political position known, saying "the United States should not go to war with Iran" and "no one knows what the consequences of this attack will be in the coming weeks, months and years."
Specifically, de Blasio took issue with President Donald Trump failing to ask Congress for approval before taking out Soleimani.
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We are in an unprecedented situation today, but the NYPD is ready for any scenario. New Yorkers will see heightened security at locations around the city, but there is NO credible and specific threat at this time. If you see something, say something.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2020
The NYPD has a strong relationship with our security and intelligence partners around the country and the world. They will be working together non-stop to keep New Yorkers safe, and I have absolute faith in them. Everyone should go about their lives unafraid.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2020
The United States should not go to war with Iran. We are in completely uncharted territory, and no one knows what the consequences of this attack will be in the coming weeks, months and years. This decision can ONLY be made by Congress, speaking for the American people.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2020
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