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The FBI and Homeland Security sounded the alarm over the possibility of “lone actor violence” that could target holiday-related gatherings and other events due to tensions from the Israel-Hamas war.

The federal agencies, along with the National Counterterrorism Center, issued a public service announcement Tuesday about the heightened threat of violence this winter after issuing previous warnings in October.

While the alert was not in response to a specific plot on the feds’ radar, “various foreign terrorist media organizations have called for lone actor attacks in the US,” the agencies said.

Holidays, New Year’s Eve events, as well as public protests, “remain attractive” to those looking to wreak havoc, the FBI and DHS said.


  The PSA from the feds was issued even though there are no specific threats. Getty Images The PSA from the feds was issued even though there are no specific threats. Getty Images

  NYPD officers stand guard outside Rockefeller Center during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in New York City. AFP via Getty Images NYPD officers stand guard outside Rockefeller Center during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in New York City. AFP via Getty Images

“Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities,” the memo states. “Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence.”

The US has been hit with a “spike” of hate crimes and other violence since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, and led the Jewish state to launch a military campaign in Gaza, the agencies said.

Hoax bomb and active shooter threats have also increased against synagogues, the feds said.


  The US has been hit with a “spike” of hate crimes and other violence since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, the agencies said. AP The US has been hit with a “spike” of hate crimes and other violence since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, the agencies said. AP

“Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter,” the announcement states. “Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks.

“We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

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