A new intelligence bulletin warns that the threat of violence by lone offenders is "likely heightened" throughout the winter and surrounding holiday events, including New Year's Eve. The bulletin, obtained by CBS News, states that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas would "likely heighten the threat of lone offender violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and first amendment-protected events related to the conflict."
The bulletin, which was issued by the Homeland Security Department (DHS), the FBI, and the National Counterterrorism Center, also goes beyond recent warnings about the risk posed by individuals inspired by foreign terrorist media and racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists known as RMVEs.
According to the bulletin, "Lone offenders seeking to attack public gatherings will probably rely on simple weapons to target easily accessible events." The warning is directed towards law enforcement, first responders, and emergency management teams.
According to an intelligence assessment, potential threats during public gatherings could involve the use of firearms, knives, and vehicles. The assessment also mentioned the possibility of nonviolent tactics, such as hoax bomb and active shooter threats, to disrupt targeted facilities or gatherings.
Although the bulletin does not specify a particular or credible threat, it does suggest that there will likely be an increase in calls for violence leading up to the holidays. Factors that could contribute to this include escalations in conflicts and notable instances of violence inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks within the country.
In early December, a joint bulletin from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice warned law enforcement agencies about the potential for increased violence during the holiday season. The bulletin specifically mentioned groups like al Qaeda and ISIS using the Israel-Hamas war as a catalyst for violence in the United States. Churches, synagogues, and members of the Jewish community were identified as potential primary targets.
As the Israeli military continues its operations in southern Gaza...
Threats on the Rise Since Hamas Attack
The Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, has expressed concern over the increasing number of threats following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th. Wray stated that the level of threats is at a "whole other level" and that he has never seen a time where so many threats are all elevated at the same time.
Furthermore, Wray warned that terrorists could potentially exploit the U.S. southern border and emphasized that the FBI is actively working to identify and disrupt any potential attacks.
