FBI warns of Hamas copycat terror attacks on US soil and urges public to watch out for ‘lone actors’ amid a ‘heightened environment’ of fear following deaths of 1,200 Israelis

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray has revealed the bureau has seen an increase in domestic threats since last weekend’s attacks in Israel.

Wray, 56, made the comments while speaking to a gathering of police chiefs in San Diego Saturday, where he urged citizens to be vigilant and share intel to stop ‘lone actors’ inspired by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

With those attacks fresh in mind, the Trump appointee acknowledged an increase in stateside threats due to a so-called ‘heightened environment’, and called for an increase of vigilance.

He said the FBI is ‘committed to continuing confronting those threats’ – both in the US and overseas. He finished by offering his condolences to the people of Israel, expressing ‘outrage’ over ‘the sheer brutality and disregard for innocent lives there.’

The remarks came the same day that Israel defense officials said they are set to commence ‘significant military operations’ in Gaza, after an impending evacuation. Wray told attendees Saturday there’s ‘no question’ threats are on the rise as a result.

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‘History has been witness to antisemitic and other forms of violent extremism for far too long,’ the six-year director said in a speech at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference, according to the FBI website.

‘Whether that be from foreign terrorist organizations, or those inspired by them, or domestic violent extremists motivated by their own racial animus, the targeting of a community because of their faith is totally unacceptable.

‘We remain committed to continue confronting those threats – both here in the United States and overseas.’

He added: ‘In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we’ve got to be on the lookout – especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own.’

‘And I’d encourage you to stay vigilant, because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence. 

‘I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have,’ he added – days after the bureau revealed agents were looking ‘to locate and identify’ Americans affected by the current violence overseas.

‘On our end, we’re committed to doing the same,’ Wray said. ‘Together, we can safeguard our communities.’

The warning – which came a day after several cities like New York found themselves on red-alert due to looming concerns over demonstrations related to the conflict – was first reported on social media site X, and has since been reshared by the FBI.

It deviates somewhat from the bureau’s last statement on the potential issue, issued October 9, where it said it ‘does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States.’

Less than a week later – after several Hamas commanders who led the terror group’s rampage October 7 were killed in airstrikes and after a ex-Hamas leader called for Muslims around the world to take part in a ‘Day of Jihad’ – that appears to have changed.

While not specifying any particular  threats, the bureau said it is still ‘closely monitoring unfolding events’ on US soil, and will share ‘relevant information’ with either state, local, or international authorities, when applicable. 

‘We will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people,’ the bureau said.

Meanwhile, a reported 29 Americans have died in Israel due to the ongoing chaos – which is expected to worsen in coming days as Israel Defense Forces plots a ground strike.

Currently shelling the densely populated Gaza strip with impunity, the country is still being subject to rocket attacks from Hamas – but the chaos has dipped markedly since last week.

Over 3,200 people have died on both sides in the fighting since – with another 15 Americans currently unaccounted for.

As a result, many politicians, including President Joe Biden, have expressed support for their longtime ally in the Middle East – with Biden last week warning other countries to not get involved, or potentially face the wrath of the US military as well.

‘In this moment we must be crystal clear,’ Biden said in a series of remarks aired Tuesday. ‘We stand with Israel.’

He added: ‘And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack. 

‘There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse.’

As an almost inevitable escalation in the action looms, Israeli troops have claimed to have killed a Hamas commander who was the mastermind behind the kibbutz massacres.

The military said today that an airstrike in southern Gaza had killed Bilal al Kedra, who they believe was behind the devastating Kibbutz Nirim and Nir Oz mass killings last weekend.

In a statement the IDF said that ‘as part of the extensive IDF strikes of senior operatives and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip’ they had killed both the commander and many other Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives.

Israel said it struck more than 100 military targets overnight, including command centres and rocket launchers, in preparations for the ground incursions.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,329 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting erupted.

Israeli government, meanwhile, vow to wipe the terror group responsible for last week’s attacks ‘off the face of the Earth’, and has called the city in which they are headquartered a ‘city of evil.’

In the meantime, ahead of the expected ground invasion, the country has settled for strikes on Hamas commanders and officials as well as its intelligence and financial infrastructure within Gaza.

A timeline for the attack remains unkown, though the IDF over the weekened claimed Hamas is blocking civilians from leaving the strip, while other reports have accused Israeli soldiers of killing evacuating civilians.

Around 1.2million desperate Palestinians have been rushing to escape the Gaza Strip and cramming into cars and donkey carts – while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyu has promised to turn much of the area into ‘rubble’ . 

Israel has dropped flyers giving people a 24 hour warning to leave Gaza City ‘immediately’ – and to ‘take advantage of the short time to move south’ from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis.  

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk

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