The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning of increased risk of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate attacks in the United States amid the Israel-Hamas war, ABC News reports.
The DHS intelligence assessment, issued over the weekend, said targeted violence attacks may increase as the conflict, which began Oct. 7, progresses. The U.S. will remain in a "heightened threat environment in the near-to-medium term — even if a diplomatic solution to the crisis is found," the memo states.
The memo notes concern about lone actors who may take inspiration from recent apparent hate crimes to commit attacks of their own.
"While we currently have no intelligence to suggest that homegrown violent extremists and unaffiliated lone actors are planning any attack on the District (Washington, D.C.) or U.S. at large, foreign terrorist organizations are likely to increase the production of propaganda, compelling U.S.-based actors to conduct attacks," the memo said, highlighting houses of worship, First Amendment-protected demonstrations and events, or U.S. military assets as likely targets.
The FBI reported an uptick in threats against Muslim and Jewish communities during an Oct. 15 call with reporters; the bureau did not provide specific numbers.
Separate from the federal notice, hospital and health system leadership teams have faced criticism since Oct. 7 for communication about the Israel-Hamas war. Members of medical staff disapprove of organizational statements that they consider too softhanded on the atrocities committed in Israel by Hamas or that fall short in acknowledging the suffering and death toll in Palestine.
The Boston Globe highlighted reactions from hospital employees in the city, noting that local medical institutions have altered or deleted statements in response to workforce criticism and changing dynamics of the war.