The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has significantly raised the potential for violence in the United States, according to Christopher Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his testimony at a congressional hearing, Wray expressed concern that the actions of Hamas and its allies could serve as a source of inspiration for violent extremists in the United States, comparable to the influence of the Islamic State (ISIS) when it declared its caliphate several years ago.
Wray also noted that multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the Western world since the beginning of the recent conflict in Gaza, leading to an increased threat from homegrown violent extremists. The FBI's primary concern is that these extremists or small groups may draw inspiration from events in the Middle East and carry out attacks against Americans in their daily lives. However, Wray emphasized that the FBI is not currently tracking any organized threat within the country.
Additionally, Wray pointed out the heightened threats against the Jewish community in the United States, which he described as reaching a historic level. The White House expressed alarm over reports of anti-Jewish incidents at various U.S. universities, prompting increased security measures.
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also addressed the rise in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab American communities across the country since the conflict began. He emphasized that this surge in hate directed at Jewish students, communities, and institutions has added to the preexisting increase in antisemitism in the United States and worldwide.
Furthermore, the FBI has initiated a hate-crime investigation into the killing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy, allegedly stabbed to death by his landlord. In response to the situation, Wray called for vigilance during this concerning period, urging the public to remain alert without succumbing to panic.
(With Agency Inputs)
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