California Governor Aware of Potential Iran-Backed Drone Strike

State officials monitoring situation, coordinating with federal partners

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed that state officials are aware of reports of a potential Iran-backed drone strike targeting the state. Newsom stated that the state's emergency operations center was activated when the war with Iran began, and that drone threats have been a top priority. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Oakland Police Department, have also been in contact with federal partners about the heightened risk.

Why it matters

The potential threat of an Iran-backed drone strike on California raises concerns about national security and the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. As a major economic and population center, an attack on California could have significant consequences, making the state's preparedness and coordination with federal agencies crucial.

The details

Governor Newsom stated that the state has 'assembled some work groups' specifically focused on drone threats, and that officials are 'working collaboratively' through the State Operations Center to share information and coordinate a response. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Oakland Police Department, have also been in contact with federal partners about the heightened risk.

  • The state's emergency operations center was activated when the war with Iran began.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has confirmed that state officials are aware of reports of a potential Iran-backed drone strike and that the state's emergency operations center was activated when the war with Iran began.

Oakland Police Department

A local law enforcement agency that has stated it has spoken with federal partners and is monitoring the situation, while also determining if there is a need to increase police presence.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

A state agency that stated it is in regular coordination with federal, state, and local partners, sharing information on potential threats as part of ongoing security efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As it relates to drone strikes, we have been aware of that information. We have been working collaboratively through the (SOC), which we established right after the war began — the State Operations Center. Working with the Office of Emergency Services, but also working locally to make sure we transmit any information that we have received.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (wbal.com)

“Drone issues have always been top of mind and we have assembled some work groups, specifically around those concerns.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (wbal.com)

“We have spoken with our federal partners, who informed us that there may be a heightened risk due to the conflict in the Middle East. To ensure the safety of our community, we are maintaining close contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement. OPD will keep monitoring the situation and determine if there is a need to increase police presence.”

— Oakland Police Department (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.