Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said state officials are “seriously” evaluating the possibility of Iranian “sleeper cells” operating in Texas, as authorities investigate a deadly weekend shooting in Austin as a potential terrorist attack.
Sleeper cells are typically described as foreign actors who live discreetly within a country until called upon to carry out a mission or attack. Abbott’s comments came amid heightened tensions following recent U.S. strikes on Iran and increased concern among federal and state law enforcement agencies about potential retaliatory threats.
In Texas, federal authorities are investigating a Sunday shooting in downtown Austin that left two people dead and 14 others injured. According to officials, the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase “Property of Allah” and featuring an Iranian flag design. Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive, and the case remains under review as a potential act of terrorism.
Speaking during a Monday appearance on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business, Abbott said, “Early that morning, on Saturday morning, we made clear to the public that the state of Texas is taking seriously the possibility of terrorist activity, lone wolf, lone wolf activity.”
“Exactly what happened here in Austin, Texas, and you oftentimes see when there’s a war breaking out like this, where the United States may be going against a country like Iran, that you could have either sleeper cells or lone wolfs acting, and that’s exactly why we increase the number of Texas Department of Public Safety Officers should be patrolling the streets and patrolling sensitive areas, and why deployed the Texas National Guard to do the same thing, so that we could be as prepared as possible for things like this happening,” he added.
Abbott also said Sunday’s attack was intended to “wreak havoc” across the state. He argued that the United States needs to do a “far better job” vetting and continually evaluating individuals who have entered the country and “could pose a danger.”
In a separate statement released Monday, Abbott addressed the victims and outlined the state’s response. “Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin,” he said. “Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.”
He added that the attack would not define the state. “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”
Abbott said he directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners. According to the governor, patrols have been increased at energy facilities, ports, and along the Texas border. He also said cybersecurity personnel have been bolstered and unmanned aerial surveillance deployed to monitor critical infrastructure.
Additionally, Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to intensify patrols statewide. He announced that law enforcement presence would be increased in Austin’s 6th Street entertainment district during weekends. “We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity,” he said.
“Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation,” Abbott said.
At the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has instructed personnel to monitor potential foreign threats with added precaution. On Saturday, Kash Patel, director of the FBI, said he directed counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on “high alert” and to “mobilize” all assisting security assets needed following the U.S. strikes on Iran.
