Newsom says there is no imminent threat to California despite warning of a possible Iranian drone attack

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said there is no imminent threat to the state, despite an FBI warning that Iran may send drones to the West Coast in response to the war.

Drone issues “have always been our top priority,” Newsom said.

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“We were aware of this information,” the governor said Wednesday. “It’s all about having an attitude of preparedness for the worst-case scenarios.”

The FBI recently warned police departments about Iran and a potential strike in California, though the alert also said it was “unverified information.”

“Iran allegedly aspired to launch a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the United States launched strikes against Iran,” the warning read.

“We have no additional information about the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” the warning read.

The alert was posted on X by an FBI spokesperson following a report from ABC News. Separately, White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said on Channel X that the letter to law enforcement was advice based on “unverified intelligence.”

“There is no such threat from Iran to our homeland, and there never has been,” Leavitt said Thursday.

President Donald Trump was asked about that on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews.

“It’s being investigated, but there’s a lot of stuff going on. All we can do is take it as it happens,” Trump said.

Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco said they were monitoring world events for any risks to their cities. Both said they are working closely with state and federal authorities.