FBI director warns Congress of possible terror threats inspired by Hamas’ attacks

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in front of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, warning Congress that Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel could lead to threats in the U.S.

“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” Wray said.

“Here in the United States, our most immediate concern is that violent extremists—individuals or small groups—will draw inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against Americans going about their daily lives.”

FBI Director Christopher Wray

Wray said there is no indication that Hamas itself intends to attack the U.S. or has the capabilities, but of most concern are lone-wolf-style attacks.

“Here in the United States, our most immediate concern is that violent extremists—individuals or small groups—will draw inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against Americans going about their daily lives,” Wray said. “That includes not just homegrown violent extremists inspired by a foreign terrorist organization but also domestic violent extremists targeting Jewish or Muslim communities.

Wray warned Congress of the threat of violent extremists, either individuals or small groups, drawing inspiration from the events in the Middle East to attack Americans.

Today, #FBI Director Christopher Wray is testifying before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at the 'Threats to the Homeland' hearing. Read his statement for the record here: https://t.co/t2HinaXHzx pic.twitter.com/jHAYQffXze

— FBI (@FBI) October 31, 2023

“Protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism is and remains our number one priority,” Wray said. “But as you all know, the range of threats we battle each and every day is enormous. From cyber attacks, to economic espionage, to violent crime and narcotics trafficking—and everything in between. And none of the problems we tackle are getting any easier.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Straight Arrow News reported on a poll conducted by NewsNation where 75% of those surveyed said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that the conflict in the Middle East would result in terror attacks in the U.S.

The American Muslim community has also voiced concern about a potential wave of hate crimes and discrimination related to the Israel-Hamas war. Authorities in Chicago say they arrested a man who allegedly killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy. Police said the man was motivated by the conflict in the Middle East.