A security expert has issued a stark warning about the need for American travelers to be vigilant at transportation hubs following recent Iranian airstrikes. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent who spent over two decades in the agency, has become a professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven. He has called for heightened preparedness, especially in areas where large numbers of people gather, such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
“There are those type of areas where people are coming and going. People are transient. Lots of people go there every day,” McDonald told Fox News Digital, emphasizing the vulnerability of such locations. “Anything can happen at any time. Again, you’ve just got to be able to be cognizant of your surroundings, be situationally aware and be able to get yourself out of a situation if something was to happen.” This call to action comes in the wake of Saturday night’s U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting concerns about potential retaliation or increased security risks.
McDonald is not the only security expert expressing concerns. Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro, who has monitored terror cells in the past, has also warned that major U.S. cities are on high alert. New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Miami have implemented stricter security protocols, including increased patrols at religious sites and heightened monitoring of online discussions that could signal potential terrorist activities.
“You’re going to look very closely online,” Mauro said. “You’re going to be monitoring a lot of the online stuff. NYPD has a very robust cyber counterterrorism program, and you’re going to do that very heavily.” Authorities are also reaching out to communities with strong ties to the Middle East to ensure they are well-informed and prepared in case of any threats.
Meanwhile, McDonald has stressed the importance of personal responsibility in staying safe. He advised travelers to be mindful of their surroundings and to report anything that seems unusual, whether it’s an unattended backpack or a vehicle that appears out of place in a particular area. “You may be the only person that’s noticing that something is out of the ordinary,” he said, “and we have a responsibility to pass that information forward to authorities.” McDonald’s insights have sparked a renewed debate about national security in the United States, especially in the context of recent geopolitical tensions.
As tensions continue to rise, experts like McDonald argue that the threat is not just external but also internal. With the potential for both cyberattacks and lone-wolf threats, the advice to stay informed and prepared has never been more urgent. The situation has led to a broader conversation about how the United States should balance security with personal freedoms, and whether the current approach is sufficient to address emerging threats.