Law Enforcement Warns of Heightened Risk of Violence This Winter
Federal law enforcement warns the threat of violence, particularly “lone actor” violence, is “likely heightened” throughout the holiday season and the coming winter months, particularly at large events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations and faith-based gatherings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) released a public service announcement to make the public aware of the situation, although the agencies say there is no specific threat.
Israel, Hamas Could Spur Incidents
One of the top reasons for concern is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The FBI says since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, there has been a spike in reporting of potential hate crimes, as well as an increase in bomb hoaxes and active shooter threats targeting synagogues.
Overseas terrorist groups have called for lone actor attacks in the U.S and racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) have also called for violence.
With that in mind, federal officials say they are particularly worried about violence at “large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations throughout the winter. Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities.”
The public service announcement warns the gatherings could be “attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature” and law enforcement will on alert for events overseas that could inspire “copycat or retaliatory attacks.”
Community Resources
With this backdrop, the FBI and DHS say they will continue to engage directly with leaders in the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities to ensure that all available resources are used to mitigate risks. DHS also has put together resources for communities and faith leaders including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces.
Resources are also available for law enforcement on how to prevent acts of violence and respond to evolving threats.
As always, law enforcement says report any non-emergency leads, threats, or suspected criminal activity to tips.fbi.gov or contact a local FBI field office.