FBI issues public safety warning during holiday period amid threat from Israel-Hamas war
FBI headquarters building is seen in Washington
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation and two other agencies have issued a public safety warning during the holiday period amid growing tensions about Israel’s war with Hamas.
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counterterrorism Center confirmed ongoing tensions over the conflict "likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence".
In a public service announcement, the three bodies claimed such threats could target large public gatherings.
It added that "holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict" now face risks.
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Such gatherings "likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies" as they remain accessible and symbolic.
However, the announcement was not made in response to any foiled or known plots.
The PSA statement said: "FBI and DHS are particularly attuned in this environment to the concerns of the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities and will continue to engage directly with leaders in these communities to ensure that available resources are utilized."
Members of the public have been urged to report any suspected threats.
The warning comes amid a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate incidents in the United States.
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The warning comes amid a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate incidents
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The Anti-Defamation League and the Council on American Islamic Relations warned of an uptick in hate crimes against both Jews and Muslims.
Antisemitic incidents in the US skyrocketed by nearly 400 per cent in the fortnight following Hamas' October 7 attack.
Data compiled by the ADL showed a 388 per cent rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. between October 7 and October 23.
The ADL Center on Extremism said preliminary data showed 312 reported antisemitic incidents, including vandalism and assault.
Rallies have taken place denouncing anti-Semitic violence
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It said: "ADL found explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas and/or violence against Jews in Israel."
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said at the time: “When conflict erupts in Israel, antisemitic incidents soon follow in the US and globally.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations said that it received 774 requests for help and reports of bias incidents from Muslims across the US from October 7 to October 24.
The number represented a 182 per cent increase from any other 16-day stretch last year.
The average number of complaints stood at 274 during any 16-day period in 2022.