New York Governor Issues Urgent Warning After U.S. Strikes Iran

Lawmakers across the state are divided on the legality and necessity of the military action.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has placed the state on high alert and is taking precautionary steps to protect all New Yorkers, following U.S. airstrikes against Iran over the weekend. Lawmakers from both parties across the state have issued conflicting statements, with some supporting the action as necessary for national security and others condemning it as reckless and unconstitutional.

Why it matters

The U.S. strikes on Iran have heightened tensions and raised concerns about potential retaliation or escalation, prompting the New York governor to take security measures to safeguard the state's residents. The divided reactions from New York's congressional delegation reflect the broader political polarization around the use of military force.

The details

The U.S. and Israel carried out the airstrikes against Iran over the weekend, sparking a range of reactions from New York's representatives. Democratic Congressman Josh Riley believes President Trump should have consulted Congress before taking action, while Republican Congressman Mike Lawler said the notion that the strikes were illegal or required Congressional approval is wrong. Other lawmakers, such as Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Democratic Congressman John Mannion, have also issued contrasting statements, with Tenney expressing hope that the Iranian people will take back their country and Mannion claiming the action disregards the Constitution.

  • The U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iran over the weekend.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who has placed the state on high alert and is taking precautionary steps to protect residents.

Josh Riley

A Democratic Congressman representing New York's 19th District who believes President Trump should have consulted Congress before the strikes.

Mike Lawler

A Republican Congressman representing New York's 17th District who said the notion that the strikes were illegal or required Congressional approval is wrong.

Elise Stefanik

A Republican Congresswoman representing New York's 21st District who believes Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons that would threaten America's national security.

Paul Tonko

A Democratic Congressman representing New York's 20th District who says President Trump is dragging the country into another reckless, unjustified war in the Middle East.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.