Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, stated on Thursday that the organization was aware of material circulating online regarding an alleged “Hamas call for action or demonstrations” on Friday.
In reaction to worries about possible violent protests in response to an alleged demand by Hamas for a global day of “solidarity” following its terrorist strikes on Israel that ignited war in the region, law enforcement agencies throughout the Southland and elsewhere were on high alert on Friday.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement on Thursday stating that it was “aware of recent statements made calling for action as it relates to the conflict in the Middle East.” No specific or credible threats to the city of Los Angeles are known to us, but we are still monitoring the situation for any potential effects on our communities.
“We are closely observing these incidents and coordinating information sharing with federal, state, and local partners. We’ll keep a careful eye on these developments. We shall be contacting the Jewish and Muslim communities in our area and stepping up our patrols during this terrible time.
A nearly identical statement was made by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with the added that “We are performing extra patrol checks and supplementing additional officers from detective division and specialized units to have high visibility in strategic places around the county. We are also making contact with the local religious community to reassure them at this trying period.
“We request that everyone who participates in demonstrations maintain calm and peace. Our top focus is ensuring the safety and security of all of our communities. We urge citizens to exercise caution and contact local law enforcement immediately if they see anything suspect.
Additionally, a number of other local law enforcement organizations released statements emphasizing the need for increased patrols, residents’ awareness, and the absence of any known credible threats in the area.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, “We are aware of the growing concern in our community regarding recent violence in Israel and statements made by Hamas.” “In coordination with our local and federal colleagues, we have implemented heightened operational awareness for officers on patrol, and we continue to monitor local activity.
“At this time, there are no credible and known direct threats at the local level.”
The FBI is investigating an alleged “Hamas call for action or demonstrations” on Friday, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray, who stated the agency was aware of material floating online concerning such a call.
The risk that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organizations could take advantage of the war to incite their supporters to carry out acts here on our own land cannot be discounted, Wray added.
According to the New York Times, 4,000 law enforcement officials from all over the country participated in a teleconference with the national security leaders to discuss the issues.
This week, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles reassured neighborhood groups that there is “no known credible threat to the Los Angeles Jewish community at this time.”
Nevertheless, the group gave local Jewish organizations and citizens advice to be alert of their surroundings, stay away from demonstration locations, dial 911 if they feel threatened, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Even the SAG-AFTRA actors union, which is currently on strike, stated Thursday that it was calling off all picketing in Los Angeles and New York City on Friday “in light of potential safety concerns that are unrelated to our ongoing strike.”