The FBI and Department of Homeland Security sounded the alarm about the possibility of “lone actor violence” that could target holiday-related gatherings and other events due to tensions from the war between Israel and Hamas.
Federal agencies, along with the National Counterterrorism Center, issued a public service announcement Tuesday about the increased threat of violence this winter after previously issuing warnings in October.
While the alert was not in response to a specific plot on the feds’ radar, “several foreign terrorist media organizations have called for attacks by lone actors in the United States,” the agencies said.
Holidays, New Year’s Eve events and public protests “continue to be attractive” to those seeking to wreak havoc, the FBI and DHS said.
The feds’ public service announcement aired even though there were no specific threats. Getty Images NYPD officers stand guard outside Rockefeller Center during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City. AFP via Getty Images
“These meetings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit acts of violence against the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Arab communities,” the memo states. “Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence.”
The United States has been hit by a “spike” in hate crimes and other violence since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and prompted the Jewish state to launch a military campaign in Gaza, the agencies said. .
Hoax bomb and active shooter threats have also increased against synagogues, the feds said.
The United States has been hit by a “spike” in hate crimes and other violence since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, the agencies said. AP
“Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and ahead of 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 that inspire copycat or retaliatory attacks.
“We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to the authorities.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn