The FBI is warning Americans that the coming anniversary of the surprise October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel could inspire “violent attacks” within the U.S.
A public service announcement released by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday warns of “potential threats in the United States from a variety of actors in response to the one-year anniversary of the HAMAS attacks on Israel.”
The announcement warns that Monday’s anniversary could “be a motivating factor for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to engage in violence or threaten public safety,” pointing out that “violent extremist activity” has been observed since the ongoing Israel-Hamas war began.
“Large public gatherings, such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations, present attractive targets for violent attacks or for hoax threats by a variety of threat actors, including violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators,” the announcement states.
“Such actors may view the anniversary as an opportunity to conduct an attack or other high-profile, illegal activity,” it continues.
A pro-Palestinian protester is pictured holding a Palestinian flag during a demonstration in Washington, D.C., on January 13. The FBI on Friday warned that Monday’s one-year mark of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which launched the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, could “provoke violence” in the U.S.
Samuel Corum
The announcement goes on to suggest that terrorists “likely will continue to exploit narratives related to the conflict to call for lone attackers to conduct violence in the United States” and “could motivate threat actors across ideologies, including those who espouse violent anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, to engage in violence.”
No specific threats related to October 7 were noted in the FBI/DHS announcement.
Newsweek reached out for comment to the FBI via email on Friday.
This is a developing story and will be updated as further information becomes available.
