FBI and DHS Issue Stark Warning of Increased Threats Against Jews and Israelis in U.S.

In a rare and strongly worded joint statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday warned of an "increased threat environment" targeting Israelis and Jews within the United States. The warning comes in the wake of two recent terrorist attacks on U.S. soil—one in Boulder, Colorado, and another in Washington, D.C.—that have heightened fears of escalating antisemitic violence fueled by global tensions over the war in Gaza.

The first attack occurred earlier this week in Boulder, Colorado, where 38-year-old Muhammad Sabri Suleiman attempted to hurl 18 improvised Molotov cocktails at marchers on the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, according to U.S. authorities. Suleiman, identified by DHS as being in the U.S. illegally, was apprehended, while his wife and five children were placed in immigration detention. A federal judge halted deportation proceedings.

Roughly 10 days earlier, a more deadly attack took place in Washington, D.C., when Yaron Lisinski and Sarah Milgram, both employees of the Israeli Embassy, were shot and killed outside the Jewish Museum. According to the indictment, the assailant, Elias Rodriguez, deliberately targeted the pair, ambushing them after they left an event where he had gathered intelligence on their identities. Rodriguez shot both victims at point-blank range in what authorities called a "verified execution."

 Extremist Exploitation of Middle East Conflict

In their statement, the FBI and DHS said that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has the potential to inspire violence from ideologically motivated extremists—including both foreign terrorist organizations and lone actors—who may see the conflict as justification for carrying out attacks in the U.S.

“There is a real possibility that additional individuals or groups motivated by extremist ideologies will engage in violent actions, especially given the volatile discourse proliferating on social media,” the agencies warned. The public was urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Though similar alerts were issued in October 2023 following Hamas’s assault on Israel, officials noted that this warning is different in both tone and substance: it is tied to two actual terrorist incidents rather than hypothetical threats, suggesting an emerging pattern of targeted violence.

Diplomatic and Regional Responses

Israeli Consul in New York, Ofir Akunis, responded to the alert:

“These are the direct consequences of incitement, false blood libels, and violent campus riots across the U.S. since October 7. Israeli and American security agencies are working closely to monitor threats. Heightened awareness is essential—but there is no need for panic or disruption to daily life.”

Israel Bachar, Consul General to the U.S. Southwest, added:

“Anti-Semitism is evolving—from rhetoric and demonstrations to dangerous violence. Radical leftist pro-Palestinian groups are giving attackers a warped sense of justification. These acts threaten not just Jews, but the safety of the American public as a whole.”

In response to the attacks, former President Donald Trump signed a sweeping presidential proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Aliens to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorist Activities and Other Threats to National Security and Public Safety.”
Effective June 9, the proclamation imposes a complete entry ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, and partial restrictions on nationals from seven others, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan.

Arson Attack oAdds to Alarming Trend

Adding to the recent spate of targeted violence, last April, Cody Bellmer, 38, set fire to the official residence of Jewish Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Authorities later revealed that Bellmer intended to physically attack the governor with a hammer, further underlining the growing threat landscape for Jewish public figures in the U.S.

Looking Ahead

The FBI and DHS emphasized the importance of community resilience and ongoing intelligence sharing, while urging the public to remain calm but alert. Jewish institutions, Israeli diplomatic missions, and law enforcement agencies nationwide have reportedly increased security measures.

“We are witnessing a dangerous turning point,” a senior intelligence official noted. “What once began as online hate is increasingly materializing into real-world violence.”