WASHINGTON (7News) — Security is visibly ramping up across the nation’s capital as tensions escalate overseas following U.S. and Israeli military operations involving Iran.
This morning, additional law enforcement officers could be seen stationed around the U.S. Capitol complex. Congressional security officials confirmed that heightened protective measures are now in place following the weekend strikes.
The House Sergeant-at-Arms says officers are increasing their visibility out of an abundance of caution. Behind the scenes, Capitol Police are working closely with federal intelligence partners, monitoring global developments in real time. And the heightened security isn’t limited to Capitol Hill.
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Across the DMV, law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols. D.C. Police said they are closely tracking events overseas.
Metro Transit Police are increasing their presence in stations, and law enforcement agencies in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties have expanded patrols around key sites and religious institutions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the weekend military action as a proactive move to prevent greater casualties. Rubio said:
“If we waited for them to hit us first after they were attacked by someone else, Israel attacked them, they got us first and we waited for them to hit us, we would suffer more casualties and more death. We went proactively and in a defensive way to prevent them from inflicting higher damage. Had we not done so, there would’ve been hearings on Capitol Hill about how we knew this was going to happen and we didn’t act preemptively to prevent more casualties and more loss of life.”
Authorities say there is no known threat in Washington at this time. Even so, U.S. travelers are being warned abroad.
The State Department has updated advisories for Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and several Gulf nations, urging Americans to reconsider or avoid travel due to terrorism, civil unrest and ongoing military operations.
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Iran remains under a longstanding “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory.
Federal authorities are also closely monitoring potential domestic risks. Experts warn escalating tensions could inspire radicalized actors or so-called sleeper cells.
Those concerns intensified after a weekend shooting in Austin, Texas, which left two people dead. The FBI is reviewing the incident as a potential act of terrorism after reports that the suspect wore clothing referencing Iran.
Developments in Iran are resonating deeply within the DMV’s Iranian-American community. Reactions are mixed — some see the strikes as a necessary step to protect civilians, while others condemn them as unjustified and potentially dangerous.
Many are also worried about family and friends still in Iran.
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In Fairfax County, Shirin Nariman, who says she was imprisoned as a teenager for speaking out against Iran’s regime, believes this could mark a turning point.
“I think Iranian people are capable of making their own destiny. I think it’s time for the West and this administration to set aside and let the Iranian people to make a decision. And it looks like, for now, that is the narrative,” Nariman said.
As U.S. officials maintain heightened vigilance across the Capitol and the DMV, authorities stress that prevention is the priority.
The coming days will continue to test both domestic security measures and the international response to the evolving conflict in Iran.
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