FBI Issues Elevated Holiday Terror Risk Alert
As international tensions continue to escalate during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the FBI this week issued a public service announcement about the increased risk of “lone actor violence” targeting public gatherings through the remainder of the holiday season. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Counterterrorism Center endorsed the PSA.
The PSA advises: “The FBI warned that large crowds over the holidays could serve as a ‘convenient target‘ for individuals who are motivated to carry out acts of violence against populations who identify as Jewish, Christian, or Muslim.”
“Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks,” it adds.
The announcement warns Americans of the increased vulnerability of large public gatherings and religious communities through New Year’s Day.
The PSA reminds everyone of the importance of the help citizens provide to law enforcement in addressing terror threats. The FBI said, “We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
There has been a substantial increase in domestic hate crime investigations and reported threats of violence against specific communities, especially Jewish people and assemblies, since the surprise terror attack by Hamas on Israel outside of Gaza on October 7.
The PSA advises that a combination of radical ideologies and the recent events in the Middle East are making religious and holiday gatherings dangerously attractive to lone actors. The threat of lone actors is more difficult for authorities to investigate and stop, given the lack of communication with other parties regarding planning or evading law enforcement.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that while there are no known active threats, the agency is working actively to detect and prevent any possible attacks. “Given the steady drumbeat of calls for attacks by foreign terrorist organizations since October 7, we’re working around the clock to identify and disrupt potential attacks by those inspired by Hamas’s horrific terrorist attacks in Israel,” Wray said.
As the holiday season continues, the FBI’s warning reminds all citizens to maintain heightened awareness and assist law enforcement with ensuring public safety.
