‘Lone actors’ may take inspiration from recent attacks on Israel to commit violence on American soil, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
There has been an increase in reported domestic threats since Hamas terrorist group launched its unprecedented attack on Israel, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Mr. Wray said on a call with reporters on Sunday that the FBI is moving quickly to mitigate the threats and that it does not discount the possibility that Hamas and other terror groups could use the conflict to call for or plot attacks in the United States.
“The threat is very much ongoing and in fact, the threat picture continues to evolve,” Mr. Wray said, CBS reported. “Here in the U.S., 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 on our own soil.”
Speaking in an address to an international police chief conference in San Diego, California, on Saturday, Mr. Wray said the war in the Middle East is creating a “heightened environment” in the United States, where Hamas-inspired bad actors may seek to wreak havoc on home soil.
“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,” he told the conference.
“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,” he added. “And I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have.”
Mr. Wray didn’t provide more details about the alleged threats, nor did he specify whether his department is taking or has taken any action against them. He did take the opportunity to offer “heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel” and condemn anti-Semitism.
“History has been witness to anti-Semitic and other forms of violent extremism for far too long,” he said.
“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.”
By Bill Pan
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