Federal agencies have warned of potential attacks at major gatherings like Macy’s fireworks show and San Francisco’s July 4 festivities, citing lone actors as the top threat in a post-Iran conflict environment.
Washington, D.C. — July 3, 2025 — As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and multiple security agencies have warned of possible ‘lone wolf’ or small group terror attacks targeting public July 4 celebrations. The warning comes in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions, including recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a joint bulletin, federal officials flagged the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City and San Francisco’s fireworks display — expected to draw nearly 200,000 people — as potential soft targets for mass casualty events.
“The most significant terrorism threat facing the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals,” the bulletin warned, citing motivations ranging from political and religious ideologies to personal grievances.
Background: Iran Conflict Escalation
Tensions spiked on June 22, when U.S. forces bombed three Iranian nuclear sites during an escalation involving Israel. A ceasefire followed by June 23 and was fully implemented on June 24, but the incident has sparked fears of retaliatory violence, both abroad and domestically.
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A separate June 22 DHS bulletin flagged that Iran has a history of targeting U.S. officials it blames for the 2020 killing of a senior military commander and warned that violent extremism on U.S. soil could rise if Iranian leadership calls for retribution.
State and Federal Response
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed she’s been regularly briefed on threats. “Lone wolf actors remain the greatest potential threat this July 4,” she said. As a precaution:
- State Police presence has been increased at large-scale events.
- National Guard personnel are stationed at transportation hubs, bridges, and tunnels.
- Officials are monitoring social media and watching for cyber threats in coordination with federal partners.
San Francisco Fireworks Show Labeled ‘Soft Target’
A separate “Joint Special Event Threat Assessment” obtained by ABC News described San Francisco’s waterfront fireworks celebration as a “broad set of soft targets for a mass casualty attack”.
The report was prepared by:
- FBI
- DHS
- Coast Guard San Francisco
- Northern California Regional Intelligence Center
The assessment follows January’s New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, influenced by ISIS propaganda, drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 civilians and injuring 57. Authorities fear copycat attacks during July 4 festivities.
Expert Insights: Elevated National Threat Level
Michael Verden, CEO of The Lake Forest Group and a former Secret Service agent, told Fox News Digital that the National Threat Advisory System has been set at a heightened level since June 22 and will remain so until at least September 22.
“This alert level could be extended based on the evolving Iran conflict,” Verden said, adding that urban events, subway stations, and even waterfronts could be exploited by attackers.
He urged event organizers, both public and private, to coordinate closely with law enforcement and implement additional safety protocols during celebrations and holiday travel.
Previous July 4 Tragedy Still Looms
Verden recalled the July 4, 2022 Highland Park shooting, where seven people were killed in Illinois. While not classified as terrorism, it stands as a grim reminder of the potential for violence during public festivities.
“That event heightened our understanding of the unique vulnerability of open-air gatherings on national holidays,” Verden said.
Conclusion
While no specific, credible threat has been identified as of now, officials urge the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and follow safety advisories at all large public gatherings across the country.
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