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Jimmy Williams
United States Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco revealed a concerning surge in threats against public officials during a recent interview.
She emphasized the “unprecedented rise” in these threats, which are occurring on a weekly, if not more frequent, basis. Monaco disclosed cases of threats against FBI agents, a Supreme Court justice, and three presidential candidates in the same week, though specific names weren’t mentioned.
“On a weekly basis — sometimes more often — I am getting reports about threats to public officials, threats to our prosecutors, threats to law enforcement agents who work in the Justice Department, threats to judges,” Monaco said on ABC’s “This Week.”
In response to a question about the impact of former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, Monaco acknowledged its unhelpful nature. The interviewer referred to Trump’s repeated use of phrases like “poisoning the blood” and labeling DOJ officials as “thugs” during his campaigns.
Monaco highlighted the shift in the nature of threats since the post-9/11 era. Initially focused on foreign terrorist organizations, the current emphasis is on individuals or small groups radicalized online by domestic or foreign issues. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab Americans following the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
“Since Oct. 7, the FBI has received more than 1,800 reports of threats or other types of tips or leads that are somehow related to or have a nexus to the current conflict in Israel and Gaza,” Monaco said.
While many are resolved without incident, the rise in these incidents is a cause for concern.
Senator Lindsey Graham expressed deep concern about the current threat levels, particularly regarding the potential for a terrorist attack on the United States. He emphasized the heightened risk as the U.S. supports Israel in its actions against Hamas, leading to increased calls from jihadist groups worldwide to target America in retaliation.
The situation reflects a complex and challenging landscape where online radicalization and geopolitical events contribute to an environment where public officials and institutions face unprecedented threats. The interview underscores the need for vigilance and security measures to address these emerging challenges.
