Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has highlighted an “unprecedented rise” in threats to public officials, prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and judges, according to an interview aired on ABC’s “This Week.” Monaco revealed receiving frequent reports of threats, citing cases from the past week involving threats to kill FBI agents, a Supreme Court justice, and three presidential candidates. The individuals targeted were not identified.
Monaco expressed concern about the impact of former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, particularly remarks using phrases like ‘poisoning the blood’ and labeling Justice Department officials as ‘thugs.’ When asked if such language is helpful, Monaco responded, “Of course it’s not helpful.”
The nature of threats has evolved since 9/11, shifting from concerns about foreign terrorist organizations to a focus on individuals or small groups radicalized online by domestic or foreign issues. Threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab Americans have increased since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack.
Senator Lindsey Graham echoed these concerns, stating he has never been more concerned about a terrorist attack on the U.S. He emphasized heightened threat levels as jihadist groups worldwide call for attacks on America in response to U.S. support for Israel’s actions following the Oct. 7 incident.
The Justice Department’s efforts to address these threats are ongoing, with Monaco highlighting over 1,800 reports related to the Israel-Gaza conflict received by the FBI since Oct. 7. Senator Graham’s comments on the potential for terrorist attacks add an additional layer of concern to the current situation.
The article provides an overview of the concerns raised by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco regarding the increasing threats to public officials and the evolving nature of security challenges faced by the U.S. It also includes perspectives from Senator Lindsey Graham, underscoring the elevated threat levels amid geopolitical events.
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