The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center have issued a public service announcement warning Americans of the potential for lone wolf violence during the holidays amid continued tensions over the ongoing war in Gaza.
The announcement said that the war will increase the “threat of violence by lone actors targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter.”
It said that large gatherings during the holidays could be a “target of opportunity” for those inspired to commit acts of violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities.
The announcement also said that calls for violence could increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other major events this winter.
The factors that could exacerbate the threat of violence include the escalation of the conflict in Gaza and notable acts of violence in the United States that inspire copycat or retaliatory attacks.
The agencies pointed to an increase in potential hate crimes or other criminal violations since October 7. The announcement also said that there has been an increase in hoax bombs and threats of shootings against synagogues across the country.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week that the agency has seen a 60% increase in hate crime investigations across the United States since the war broke out.
In testimony before Congress, he said: “Given the ongoing calls for attacks by foreign terrorist organizations since October 7, we are working around the clock to identify and disrupt potential attacks.”
