Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Increases Security Following U.S.-Israel War with Iran

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has increased local spotchecks at sensitive locations following U.S. and Israel’s airstrikes on Iran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated in a series of airstrikes across the Middle East, and the war has quickly escalated across the region .

Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty says the county sheriff’s office has identified a list of local potential sensitive locations and is patrolling the areas.

“We are meeting with people who congregate at those locations and advise them that if they see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us. Let us come out and check it out. We’d rather it be nothing than have a tragedy occur,” said Chaboty.

Local law enforcement is checking in with local synagogues, mosques, and schools, says Chaboty. He says while many community members are concerned, security threats are unfortunately not new for religious and cultural institutions.

“They’ve been down this road before. They’ve done this drill before, so they know what to look for,” said Chaboty, adding that their office remains open for any concerns. “If you see something, say something.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said there are no credible threats to New York, though state police has increased their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites across the state.

Image: A patrol vehicle for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office in Monticello, N.Y. (Photo Credit: Kimberly Izar)