DHS, FBI Warn of ‘Violent’ Threats Amid Hamas, Israel Conflict

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI jointly warned Americans about "violent extremists and lone offenders" amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The DHS and FBI said threats against Americans, particularly those in the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities, have seen increased threats since the organizations last made a similar public service announcement days after Hama's Oct. 7 attack on Israel that left more than 1,400 dead.

The warning to Americans makes reference to an Illinois man stabbing a killing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and seriously injuring his mother on October 14. That incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

The federal agencies said there are also examples of "hoax bomb threats targeting houses of worship and violent rhetoric online encouraging attacks against the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities" amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"Tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories have long been a source of calls for violence against Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities. This history, coupled with the current widespread sharing of graphic and disturbing content related to this conflict, increases the risk of incitement to violence in the United States," their statement reads.

They told Americans to "remain vigilant" and to report any threats or suspicious activity to authorities.