While there is no reported credible threat, CBS News has reviewed multiple internal law enforcement bulletins and security assessments circulated in the last 48 hours that warn that homegrown and domestic violent extremists are likely to mobilize in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In light of Hamas’ recent declaration, referred to as the “Friday of al-Aqsa flood,” an intelligence analyst from the NYPD cautioned that the group has previously incited significant protests and turmoil in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem through their calls for a ‘day of rage.’ Although this has occurred before, the analyst expressed concern that the current statements have the potential to incite widespread unrest and violent reactions beyond the region. As a result, law enforcement personnel should exercise increased vigilance.
According to the report, the assessments incorporate independent intelligence analysis, including recent findings by a group called Insikt, which comprises experienced researchers specialized in identifying threats. The report states that there is a high probability of violent extremists in North America, Europe, and Australia plotting physical assaults and intensifying online harassment campaigns against Jewish and Muslim communities, along with organizations associated with them. This surge in aggression is expected to occur following the hybrid attack and invasion into Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military response by Israel.
The group stated that currently, they do not have any knowledge of specific or credible terrorist threats. However, they acknowledged that individuals connected to violent extremist movements beyond the conflict area have been urging for wider mobilizations since the start of the incursion.
According to Insikt, throughout history, escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have resulted in acts of violence against Jewish communities in the Western world. These acts specifically target places of worship, community centers, government buildings, and public demonstrations.
Law enforcement agencies have been circulating previous guidance from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) internally. This guidance focuses on reducing risk and addressing threats to places of worship. Additionally, it highlights the significance of maintaining consistent outreach to faith communities.
During a briefing conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, officials characterized the present threat landscape as “unstable” and “capricious,” cautioning that alterations in the overseas conflict “could give rise to further security challenges within the United States.”
According to a DHS official, there is a widespread understanding of the various ways in which the conflict could escalate. This includes potential involvement of Lebanese Hezbollah and other regional actors, particularly in northern France. The official emphasizes that if any of these scenarios were to occur, it would have significant implications for our homeland security.
On Thursday, President Biden convened a meeting at the White House with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and other high-ranking officials to deliberate on strategies aimed at ensuring the security of the homeland.
According to CBS News, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have stated that they do not possess detailed knowledge of the specific tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by Hamas that directly influence Neo-Nazi groups in the United States. Nevertheless, one official mentioned that it is logical to assume individuals with similar worldviews and narratives may seek inspiration or follow the example of those who have committed terrible acts in the past.
In response to the devastating attacks on Israel, cities throughout the United States are enhancing security measures around houses of worship due to the “highly fluid” threat landscape.
Michael Masters, the director of the Secure Community Network, emphasized the significance of staying alert and prepared in light of the dynamic environment. He noted that news spread in various communities on Saturday morning, catching many individuals who were attending synagogue services off guard. As they stepped out, they were met with the presence of police squad cars.
The Secure Community Network, based in Chicago and established post 9/11, is staffed by numerous security analysts with military or private intelligence experience. Recently, the official security agency for American Jewish institutions has grown in size. With round-the-clock personnel, these analysts vigilantly observe global and domestic situations, prepared to promptly notify any of the numerous synagogues, community centers, or day schools under their protection.
Increased security has been implemented this week at Jewish and Muslim sites, temples, and schools in New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. This precautionary measure is in response to concerns that the ongoing conflict in Israel-Gaza may incite hate crimes.
A law enforcement official confirmed to CBS News that as a precautionary measure, the NYPD has instructed officers to report in full uniform on Friday. In preparation for expected protests, all 77 precincts of the department have enhanced security with extra personnel deployed. Officials are emphasizing their efforts to maintain peaceful demonstrations.
On Sunday, Rabbi Sam Spector from Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City had to interrupt the cantor’s performance due to a bomb threat. A video shared on Congregation Kol’s Facebook page depicts the rabbi calmly instructing the congregants to evacuate the synagogue and gather at a nearby park.
Spector told CBS News affiliate KUTV that staff received an email saying that there was a bomb in the building and that bombs had been placed in other Jewish centers around Utah. Police searched the facilities but found no explosives.
According to Masters, bomb threats in Utah were not the only ones received that day. He mentioned that congregations in Arizona and other parts of the Southwest also faced similar threats. The Secure Community Network, headquartered in Chicago and established after the 9/11 attacks, has a dedicated team of staff members, including security analysts with military or private intelligence backgrounds, working to protect Jewish organizations across the country.
Masters informed CBS News that there is an ongoing occurrence of bomb threats targeting the Jewish community and other religious institutions, as well as swatting incidents. He further stated that they are collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as members of the Jewish community, to establish guidelines and procedures to effectively handle these threats. The main objective is to ensure that the community is well-prepared and capable of withstanding such incidents.
The ADL’s Center on Extremism has conducted research revealing a significant surge in calls for violence against Jews, Israelis, and Zionists on Telegram. Following the recent Hamas massacre in Israel, these calls increased by a staggering 400% within a span of 18 hours. The ADL has informed CBS News that the escalation of violent rhetoric has shown no signs of abating even in the days following the tragic incident.
According to Oren Segal, vice president of the Center on Extremism at the ADL, online threats on various social media platforms, including Telegram and X, are widespread and pervasive. He described these threats as not only celebrating the deaths of Jewish individuals but also rationalizing the brutality that was witnessed.
The ADL has reported that it has been monitoring numerous antisemitic incidents, including harassment, assault, and vandalism, following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel. The organization is actively working to confirm the authenticity of these real-life occurrences.
Segal highlighted the fact that events occurring online have a lasting impact outside of the digital realm. He pointed out that the ADL observed a surge in antisemitic incidents following a significant increase in violence during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in May 2021. This rise in antisemitism was largely connected to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Based on historical patterns, Segal anticipates another upsurge in such incidents at present.
Segal reports that ADL’s Center for Extremism has monitored more than 100 rallies across the nation that involve a form of commemoration and endorsement of the killing of Israeli children and the elderly.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, says its Maryland office has received, “growing reports of Muslim and Arab students experiencing harassment and intimidation in public high schools and on college and university campuses.”
