Joe Lombardo, governor of Nevada, said the state supports those seeking lives free from oppression amid Iran’s violent crackdown on protests that has killed numerous civilians.
“Nevada stands with all people who seek to live in safety, dignity, and freedom,” said Lombardo. “I am deeply concerned by reports of violence and loss of life affecting innocent civilians and young people in Iran. My heart is with the families — here in Nevada and abroad — who are grieving loved ones or fearing for their safety. As Nevadans, we believe in the fundamental value of human life and the universal right to live free from violence and oppression.”
According to Lombardo’s January 13 social media post on X, the demonstrations in Iran began on December 28, 2025. Initially sparked by economic hardships such as currency collapse and inflation, the protests quickly spread nationwide and evolved into calls for governmental change. Human rights groups have documented widespread arrests and casualties as security forces responded with force.
Nevada is home to approximately 6,344 Iranian Americans, representing 0.19% of the state’s population. The majority reside in Clark County, where around 5,061 individuals of Iranian descent are reported. This community maintains strong ties to Iran, raising concerns among local families about the safety of relatives amid the unrest. Government data indicates Persian is a key language spoken by these residents.
Human rights organizations report that at least 3,428 protesters were killed in Iran between late December 2025 and mid-January 2026. Thousands more were injured or arrested during the protests driven by economic collapse including record inflation and unemployment. The severe crackdown involved live fire and telecommunications blackouts. Global estimates suggest over 20,000 detentions amid the violence.
Lombardo was born on November 8, 1962, in Sapporo, Japan, to a U.S. Air Force family and moved to Las Vegas in 1976. He served in the U.S. Army, Nevada National Guard, and Army Reserve before embarking on a 26-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Rising from officer to assistant sheriff, he was elected Clark County Sheriff in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. In 2023, he became Nevada’s 31st Governor after winning the election as a Republican.
