As a result of the emotionally charged war between Israel and Iranian-backed Hamas, FBI Director Christopher Wray says there has been a spike in reported domestic threats.
Speaking at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in San Diego on Saturday, Wray attributed the surge in threats to the “heightened environment” and called on police to increase their vigilance and continue sharing intelligence.
“History has been witness to antisemitic and other forms of violent extremism for far too long,” Wray said, according to Fox News Digital. “Whether that be from foreign terrorist organizations, or those inspired by them, or domestic violent extremists motivated by their own racial animus, the targeting of a community because of their faith is completely unacceptable.”
“We remain committed to continue confronting those threats — both here in the United States and overseas,” he stated, adding, “I want to take a moment to offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel, and share the outrage I know we all feel at the sheer brutality and disregard for innocent lives there.”
Wray’s remarks came one day after the call for a global “day of rage” from former Hamas chief Khaled Masha.
NYPD pumps up presence, Jewish schools on high alert as Hamas’ ‘day of Jihad’ dawns https://t.co/vyMTQjUA1U via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) October 13, 2023
“In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we have to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own,” Wray continued. “And I’d encourage you to stay vigilant because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence. And I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have.”
“On our end,” he said, “we’re committed to doing the same, so that together, we can safeguard our communities.”
New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush initially reported on X that the FBI has seen a “sharp uptick” in domestic threats related to the Middle East conflict, but, later, amended his post.
“REPOSTING: FBI Director Chris Wray, speaking to police chiefs in San Diego, said bureau has seen an increase in threats since Israel attacks — and urged locals to be vigilant and share intel to stop ‘lone actors’ inspired by Hamas and others,” he wrote on Saturday. “(Previous post said sharp uptick).”
REPOSTING: FBI Director Chris Wray, speaking to police chiefs in San Diego, said bureau has seen an increase in threats since Israel attacks — and urged locals to be vigilant and share intel to stop “lone actors” inspired by Hamas and others. (Previous post said sharp uptick)
— Glenn Thrush (@GlennThrush) October 14, 2023
On Thursday, The Times reported, “Top American counterterrorism officials on Thursday said there was no credible or specific intelligence pointing to a current threat to the United States related to the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel or the ensuing war.”
“However,” the outlet continued, “intelligence officials were still assessing the potential impact inside the United States of a Hamas call for protests in the next few days.”
“We’re also aware of information on the internet about a Hamas call for action or demonstrations,” Wray said on Thursday during a seminar hosted by the Secure Community Network — an “organization that provides consultation and support on safety matters to Jewish communities across North America,” according to The Times.
“We’re working to confirm whether there’s any validity to that information,” Wray stated. “We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas, or other foreign terrorist organizations, could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks here on our own soil.”
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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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