Pasadena Police Increase Patrols as FBI Warns of Possible Iran-Linked Drone Threat to California

Pasadena authorities have increased patrols around places of worship and other high-profile locations as global tensions rise amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While a recent media report described an FBI alert warning California law enforcement about a possible Iranian plan to use drones in an attack, Pasadena police emphasized that no verified or specific threats have been identified locally.

ABC News reported that the FBI alert stated, “as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran.” The alert added, “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he was aware of the reported threat and noted that the state activated its emergency operations center when the war began.

“Drone issues have always been top of mind,” he said, adding that the State Operations Center has been working with the Office of Emergency Services and local agencies to share information.

Pasadena Police Lt. Anthony Russo said the department is closely monitoring developments with federal, state, and regional partners but reiterated that Pasadena has not been identified as a target.

“We don’t have any specific threats that we’re aware of to the area,” Russo said. “That doesn’t mean they don’t exist. We do rely on the public’s help—being observant and vigilant in their activities to report suspicious activity.”

Russo said global tensions and threats made toward the United States have created “a real concern.”

He added that residents should “remain observant and vigilant in their surroundings and report suspicious activity.”

In a public statement, the Pasadena Police Department said it is working closely with federal, state, and regional partners to monitor the conflict and assess any potential local impacts. The department noted that while news outlets have reported possible threats to California, “these threats have not been verified by our law enforcement partners.”

“Nevertheless, the Pasadena Police Department has increased patrols around places of worship and other high profile locations in Pasadena,” the statement said.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity in neighborhoods, shopping centers, religious institutions, and on social media platforms. The department reiterated the national security message: “If you see something, say something.”

Suspicious activity may also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday it remains at an “elevated level of readiness” as authorities monitor developments related to the conflict in the Middle East. The department said it is watching for a range of potential threats, including lone-actor attacks, sleeper cells and cyber-related risks, and has increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions and other prominent locations.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it is also monitoring developments and coordinating with federal, state and local partners. “At this time, there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles,” the LAPD told City News Service.