The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal
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The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Iran and its proxies "will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions—or calls to action" in the United States, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by ABC News.
While officials assess that a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, they cited a "persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland," particularly lone-actor violence and cyber operations.
"In the short-term, we are most concerned that Iran-aligned hacktivists will conduct low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks, such as website defacements and distributed denial-of-service attacks," the bulletin states.
It adds that lone offenders have not historically been motivated by Iran-related issues but warns that the current conflict could prompt U.S.-based violent extremists or hate crime perpetrators to target sites perceived as Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the U.S. government or military.
The alert was issued Saturday, one day before a gunman opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, killing two people and wounding 14 others. Authorities are investigating whether the attack was inspired by the U.S. military campaign in Iran, according to people briefed on the matter who spoke to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity.
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Police identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. He was shot and killed by officers at the scene. According to individuals familiar with the investigation, Diagne wore a hoodie reading "Property of Allah" over a T-shirt bearing an Iranian flag design.
A Quran was found in his vehicle. The FBI activated its Joint Terrorism Task Force and is treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.
"Obviously, it's still way too early in the process to determine the exact motivation," said Alex Doran, acting head of the FBI's San Antonio field office to The Washington Post. "But there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism."
Authorities do not believe Diagne was acting in coordination with any organized group, though the investigation remains ongoing. Officials have also cited a history of mental health episodes.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have increased patrols around government buildings and other high-traffic locations. Derek Mayer, a former Secret Service official, told ABC News that the current environment remains volatile, adding that "law enforcement authorities are concerned about attacks happening every day."
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Tags: Department of Homeland Security, Iran, Terrorism, Austin, Texas