FBI Director Christopher Wray, in his recent testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted an alarming escalation in the terror threat facing the United States.
This concern has intensified since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
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FBI Director’s assessment: Elevated threats across the board
Responding to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s inquiry about the current “threat matrix,” Wray painted a grim picture of the security landscape.
He remarked, “What I would say that is unique about the environment that we’re in right now in my career is that while there may have been times over the years where individual threats could have been higher here or there than where they may be right now, I’ve never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are all elevated, all at exactly the same time.”
Graham’s comparison: Current situation and ‘blinking red lights’
Graham drew a parallel with the pre-9/11 period, asking if the current situation resembled the “blinking red lights” warning of imminent danger back then.
Wray’s response was unequivocal: “I see blinking red lights everywhere.”
Escalating threats: Impact of Israel tragedy on U.S. security
Further delving into the nature of the threats, Wray pointed out the significant rise in danger since the tragic event in Israel on Oct. 7, where Hamas terrorists claimed the lives of at least 1,200 Israelis.
This incident, according to Wray, has galvanized a “veritable rogue’s gallery of foreign terrorists” calling for attacks against the U.S., pushing the threat level to unprecedented heights.
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Concerns and earnings: Impact of Hamas actions, rising threats
Reiterating his concerns expressed in October, Wray warned Senate lawmakers about the inspirational impact of Hamas’s actions, likening it to the rise of ISIS years ago.
Attorney General Merrick Garland also noted an increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in the U.S. following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Surge in attacks on U.S. military bases abroad since October
The period following Oct. 7 also saw a spike in attacks on U.S. military bases overseas, particularly in the Middle East.
The Pentagon confirmed at least 74 attacks on U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, linked to Iran-backed groups and in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel against Hamas.
FBI, Las Vegas police foil a ‘lone wolf’ terror plot
Domestically, the FBI and Las Vegas police recently thwarted a “lone wolf” terror plot.
On Friday, a 16-year-old suspect was arrested for planning an attack in Las Vegas in support of ISIS, as indicated by the discovery of explosive device components and terrorist propaganda at his residence.
The arrest followed his social media posts announcing plans for a “lone wolf operation” against perceived enemies.
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