FBI and Department of Homeland Security Warn of Terrorist Threats Against America on Oct. 7 Memorial Day
Both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have warned that the first anniversary of Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel and the continued turmoil in the Middle East could fuel violent acts by extremists. Joint General Statement On Friday.
Although they did not identify any specific or credible threats to the United States, the warning came ahead of Monday’s anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and calls for violence against the West by foreign terrorist groups.
Warning also comes at a time Israel carries out deadly attacks Against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Consider an answer For a recent attack with Iran’s ballistic missiles.
According to a CNN report, North American law enforcement agencies Increased patrol numbers Held around Jewish and Muslim institutions in response to recent tensions in the Middle East, the October 7 anniversary and Jewish holidays are approaching.
The New York Police Department increased patrols on Monday, a law enforcement source told CNN. The patrol is expected to continue for the next two weeks. The New York Police Department will partner with state police for blast detection missions on bridges and tunnels, and helicopter units will be used to detect radiation, the source said. The Los Angeles Police Department said last week that patrols will include a large number of beat officers, command post vehicles and mounted units. Chicago, Miami and Philadelphia police also increased patrols.
The FBI and DHS said in their joint statement on Friday: “Jewish, Muslim, or Arab institutions — including synagogues, mosques/Islamic centers, and community centers — and large public gatherings such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations. Violent extremists and hate crime offenders, including various attractive targets for violent attacks or false threats by threat actors.”
“Always be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to authorities,” the statement added.
The agencies estimate that foreign terrorist organizations may continue to exploit “narratives” surrounding hostilities involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, which could prompt lone attackers to carry out acts of violence in the United States.
So-called “lone wolves,” who aren’t formally part of a terrorist group, pose a particularly tough challenge to law enforcement, they said. Security sources for CNN.
“A group of terrorists communicating with each other presents many opportunities for exploitation by our surveillance capabilities,” said one source, but highlighted the more difficult task of finding an individual who has not telegraphed his attack plans to anyone.