The Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning of potential lone-wolf and cyberattacks following recent strikes in Iran, just one day before a gunman opened fire in Austin, Texas. According to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by ABC News, the alert comes amid growing concerns about retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies.

Threat of Cyberattacks and Lone-Wolf Attacks

The bulletin, obtained by ABC News, states that while a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies are likely to pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the United States. Officials warned that the situation could escalate further if reports of the Ayatollah’s death are confirmed.

“In the short-term, we are most concerned that Iran-aligned hacktivists will conduct low-level cyber attacks against US networks, such as website defacements and distributed denial-of-service attacks,” officials said in the bulletin.

The alert was issued on Saturday, a day before the Austin shooting, and authorities are investigating whether the suspect was inspired by the situation overseas. Law enforcement sources told ABC News the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt with “Property of Allah” on it and underneath, a shirt with “Iran” and the Iranian flag on it.

Possible Links to Mental Health and Ideological Motives

Officials are also investigating whether the suspect had mental health issues. The bulletin noted that physical attacks are rare for those inspired by Iran, but the existential threat to the Iranian regime and increased U.S. or Israeli actions could prompt some U.S.-based violent extremists or hate crime perpetrators to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the U.S. government or military.

“Lone offenders in the Homeland have not historically been motivated by issues related to Iran, the IRGC, or Shia violent extremism; however, the existential threat to the Iranian regime and increased U.S. or Israeli actions could prompt some U.S.-based violent extremists or hate crime perpetrators to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the U.S. government or military,” officials said in the bulletin.

Security Measures and Ongoing Vigilance

Derek Mayer, the former assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s Chicago field office, said law enforcement is always on alert for a lone offender. Mayer, now the chief security officer and vice president of executive protection at P4, emphasized that the current threat environment is very dangerous.

“I think law enforcement authorities are concerned about attacks happening every day. And obviously, yesterday with the bombings taking place in Iran, the attacks could come even at a higher rate, but it’s your schools, it’s your churches, it’s at your airports,” Mayer said. “The current threat environment in the United States and across the world is, it’s very dangerous right now, but it’s also to say the last quarter of a century, since the September 11th attacks of 2001, the landscape across the United States and also across the world has been very dangerous.”

Police departments across the country have stepped up patrols in high-traffic and high-target areas. “At times like this, they will be up in patrols and officers, more posts at government facilities, but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see, whether that be, you know, counter surveillance, whether it be extra intelligence monitoring,” he said.

The alert highlights the growing concerns about the potential for both cyber and physical attacks in the U.S., especially in the wake of recent events in Iran. As the situation evolves, law enforcement and security agencies remain vigilant, ensuring that the public is protected from any potential threats.