FBI Director Chris Wray warned Saturday during a speech in California of a surge in domestic threats linked to Israel’s war against Hamas militants.
“I want to take a moment to offer my deepest condolences to the people of Israel and share the outrage we all feel at the brutality and disregard for innocent lives there,” Wray said in prepared remarks at the International Association of Chefs. annual police conference in San Diego.
“History has witnessed anti-Semites and other forms of violent extremism for far too long. “Whether it is foreign terrorist organizations or those inspired by them, or domestic violent extremists motivated by their own racial animosity, the targeting of a community because of their faith is completely unacceptable.” Wray continued. “We remain committed to continuing to confront these threats, both here in the United States and abroad.”
“In this heightened environment, there is no doubt that we are seeing an increase in reported threats, and we must be vigilant, particularly against lone actors who may be inspired by recent events to commit their own violence,” he said. -he declares. “And I encourage you to remain vigilant, because as the first line of defense to protect our communities, you are often the first to see the signs that someone might be mobilizing in support of violence. And I would also ask you continue by sharing any information or observations you may have.
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At the IACP Annual Conference and Exhibition, FBI Director Chris Wray spoke to law enforcement officials around the world, discussing task forces, rising crime in minors and successful partnerships with the FBI. (FBI)
“For our part, we are committed to doing the same, so that together we can protect our communities,” Wray said.
Traffic is halted as Israeli armored vehicles advance towards the border with the Gaza Strip, October 15, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. (MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)
The warning comes a day after major US cities, including New York, implemented heightened security and increased police presence on Friday, due to concerns over protests linked to the conflict. A former Hamas leader also called on Muslims around the world to take to the streets in support of the Palestinians and to consider October 13 as “Jihad Day.”
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In its latest statement released October 9 on Hamas attacks in Israel, the FBI said it “does not have specific, credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States.”
“We are closely monitoring developments and will share relevant information with our state, local, federal and international law enforcement, intelligence and homeland security partners to ensure they are prepared for anything impact on public safety. We will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, “as appropriate, to protect the American people,” the office said.
FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, DC, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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“We are working in close coordination with our counterparts in the region as well as other international partners,” the statement continued. “Through our Legal Attaché Office in Israel, FBI personnel are working with our partners on the ground to locate and identify any affected Americans. Reports of Americans who have died, been injured, or are missing are processed with the greatest emergency and are aggressively investigated. The Division of Victim Services coordinates with the Department of State to assist, if necessary, with family engagement.”