Brooke Mallory from OAN
6:26 pm – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
6:26 pm – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
In light of the current Israel-Hamas conflict and growing tensions, the FBI warned Americans on Tuesday about the possibility of violence committed during the holidays by individual actors.
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A public service announcement was released by the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center, expressing that the conflict could likely increase “the threat of violence from a lone actor targeting large public gatherings during the winter”.
The FBI warned that large crowds during the holidays could serve as a “convenient target” for individuals motivated to carry out acts of violence against populations identified as Jewish, Christian, or Muslim. Arabs were also included in the statement.
“Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter,” the announcement states. “Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable cases of violence in the homeland, inspiring imitative or retaliatory attacks.”
“Therefore, we ask everyone to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to authorities,” continues the announcement.
The agency explained that following the unexpected Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October that cost the lives of more than 1,200 people, there has been an increase in “potential hate crimes or other criminal violations”.
The warning also stated that shootings and false bomb threats against synagogues across the country have increased.
In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that there was no “specific conspiracy activity” behind the release. The alert detailed how multiple targets could “likely remain attractive to individual actors” due to the many ideologies involved.
Since the start of the conflict, the FBI has investigated 60% more hate crimes nationwide, many of which target the Jewish community, according to comments made by Wray last week.
He said there have been more demands for violence against the United States and that the FBI is trying to prevent possible attacks motivated by Hamas apologists.
“Given the constant calls for attacks from foreign terrorist organizations since October 7, we are working around the clock to identify and disrupt possible attacks by those inspired by the horrific terrorist attacks of Hamas in Israel,” said Wray during an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.
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