FBI Director Chris Wray Issues Warning that Hamas and Terrorist Organizations May “Conduct Attacks Here on Our Own Soil”

On Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned of a potential threat posed to the United States from foreign terrorist organizations, citing Hamas and other groups amid the ongoing turmoil in Israel.

The warning was part of his opening statement during “Threats to the Homeland” Senate testimony alongside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and NCTC Director Christine Abizai.

Wray highlighted not only domestic threats such as violent extremists and domestic violent extremists but also the urgency of addressing foreign terrorist entities that could use the present conditions in Israel as an opportunity for attack.

His remarks shed light on a growing security landscape within our country.

“As I said a few moments ago, on top of the homegrown violent extremists and domestic violent extremist threat, we also cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or another foreign terrorist organization may exploit the current conflict to conduct attacks here on our own soil. We have kept our sights on Hamas and have multiple ongoing investigations into individuals affiliated with that foreign terrorist organization,” said Wray.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Homeland Threat Assessment for Fiscal Year 2023 revealed that 172 individuals on the terror watchlist were detained while attempting to enter the United States illegally, representing a significant increase over the combined total from the six preceding years.

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Director Wray disclosed that Iran has made attempts at carrying out assassinations of high-ranking current and former U.S. government officials on U.S. soil.

“The Iranians, for instance, have directly or by hiring criminals, mounted assassination attempts against dissidents and high-ranking current and former U.S. government officials, including right here on American soil,” Wray cautioned.

He further noted that Hezbollah, Iran’s primary strategic partner, has had a history of establishing operations in the United States, including espionage, fundraising, and obtaining weapons.

RNC Research has reported that since taking office, President Biden has provided the Iranian regime with an estimated $100 billion in enrichment.

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FBI Director Christopher Wray recently addressed the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in San Diego, California on the subject of violent extremism.

He expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by both domestic and international terror attacks on American soil. This is not the first time that Wray has cautioned about such a danger.

“History has been witness to antisemitic and other forms of violent extremism for far too long. Whether that be from foreign terrorist organizations, or those inspired by them, or domestic violent extremists motivated by their own racial animus, the targeting of a community because of their faith is totally unacceptable,” Wray said.

“We remain committed to continue confronting those threats—both here in the United States and overseas.”

“In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we’ve got to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own.

“So I encourage you to stay vigilant, because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence. And I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have. And on our end, we’re committed to doing the same, so that together, we can safeguard our communities,” he added.

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