CBS News has learned about a heightened risk of a potential terror attack in New York City as a result of the escalating violence in the Middle East. In response to a new threat assessment by the New York State Intelligence Center, Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated measures to bolster security and increase staffing of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Governor Hochul has expressed her commitment to address the online threats and radicalization associated with the escalating violence in the Middle East. Speaking about the steps being taken, she announced plans to unveil specific actions and share information on the number of online threats uncovered, investigations conducted, and outcomes achieved.

As CBS News obtained a recent threat assessment, it highlighted an “increasing terror threat to NYS” due to the ongoing violence in the region. The New York State Intelligence Center has cautioned that the proliferation of antisemitic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric on social media platforms has contributed to a surge in hate crimes targeting Jews, Muslims, and Arabs.

According to the report, the Israeli operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, coupled with the rising civilian casualties, have intensified the likelihood of violent extremist actors attempting attacks on targets in the West, with a particular focus on New York State. The report further emphasized the terrorists' interest in targeting "soft targets" such as protests, group gatherings, and other public events.

In response to these alarming findings, Governor Hochul has allocated $2.5 million for the addition of extra State Police investigators to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force across various locations in New York State, including New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester. She stressed the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing these threats, emphasizing that they are not limited to New York City alone.

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern over the potential for violent extremists, inspired either by foreign terrorist organizations or domestic ideologies, to carry out attacks against American citizens. Wray specifically highlighted the recent arrest of an individual in Houston who targeted Jewish and Muslim communities.

The New York Police Department's Hate Crime Task Force has recorded a significant increase in bias incidents, with a 124% rise in investigations in October. The surge has been largely driven by a staggering 214% spike in anti-Jewish incidents, reflecting the growing tensions associated with the conflict in the Middle East.

As the threat of a terror attack looms over New York City, Governor Hochul's proactive measures and increased security efforts aim to counter the rising risks posed by online threats and radicalization. The collaboration among law enforcement agencies will be crucial in safeguarding the public from these potential dangers.