Airstrike on Iranian general prompts increased police presence across LI

A deadly U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian general has prompted an increased police presence across Long Island.

News 12 Staff

Jan 3, 2020, 11:13 PM

Updated 1,806 days ago

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A deadly U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian general has prompted an increased police presence across Long Island.
Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed in the airstrike in Baghdad. The leader of Iran has vowed to retaliate.
"We're covering the entire county," says Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. "We've upped our patrols, we've taken resources that normally work in certain roles and put them in a more visible presence."
Similar precautions are also being taken in Suffolk County.
Sam Shamsian, of East Hills, was forced to flee his country during the Islamic revolution in the late 1970s because of his Jewish faith. He says the airstrike by U.S. forces will make both Iran and America safer.
"I was very happy and very proud of President Trump who had the guts to do it," says Shamsian. "They should have killed him sooner."
Other Long Islanders feel differently, saying the attack could plunge the U.S. into another war.
Long Island's Congressional representatives were all in agreement that Soleimani was a dangerous man.
"I support the president's action," says Rep. Peter King. "Soleimani was an evil person."
Police say they'll monitor social media for any potential threats. They're also asking the public to keep their eyes open and report suspicious activity.