(The Center Square) – No public announcement had been made as of Monday indicating that Virginia elevated statewide alert levels following U.S. military strikes inside Iran over the weekend.
Virginia State Police declined to comment on specific operational procedures but said they are evaluating the commonwealth’s needs and coordinating with local and federal partners.
“For security reasons, Virginia State Police cannot comment on specific operational procedures or plans,” Public Relations Director Robin Lawson said. “As always, we evaluate the needs of the commonwealth and respond accordingly, working closely with local and federal partners.”
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management referred questions about security posture to state police. The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication in obtaining comment from the governor’s office.
Virginia is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the Pentagon in Arlington and multiple defense and intelligence facilities across Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
Virginia’s two U.S. senators issued statements criticizing the president’s decision.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, called the strikes “a deeply consequential decision that risks pulling the United States into another broad conflict in the Middle East.”
“The Constitution is clear: the decision to take this nation to war rests with Congress,” Warner said, adding that Congress “must be fully briefed” and that the administration must provide “a clear legal justification, a defined end state, and a plan that avoids dragging the United States into yet another costly and unnecessary war.”
There has been no declaration of war. Key leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives were briefed ahead of Saturday’s military action.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the strikes were unauthorized and “a colossal mistake.”
“These strikes are a colossal mistake, and I pray they do not cost our sons and daughters in uniform and at embassies throughout the region their lives,” Kaine said.
He called on the Senate to vote on his War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran without congressional approval.
Neither senator indicated that Virginia faces a specific elevated threat.
