Republican state AGs seek ‘game plan' from FBI, DOJ amid ‘growing wave of antisemitic domestic terrorism'
FIRST ON FOX – Republican attorneys general from at least 27 states want to coordinate a "game plan" with the FBI and the Department of Justice to "root out antisemitic domestic terrorism."
Fox News Digital first obtained a copy of their letter to FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday requesting "assistance in the fight against antisemitic domestic terrorism in the United States."
"We hope to meet with you personally to discuss ways that the states can support the excellent work of the FBI and partner with the Department of Justice to ensure those who are committing these egregious acts are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," the letter, spearheaded by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, says.
"Like you, we were horrified by the Hamas terrorist attacks against the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, and we are concerned with the increase in antisemitism that has unfolded since that fateful day," the state attorneys general wrote. "Domestic terrorists have become more emboldened to commit horrific crimes against Jews and supporters of Israel since October 7, and our collective response will impact the trajectory of that development."
Trump Says Boulder Terror Attack 'Will Not Be Tolerated,' Deportations Must Continue
The letter references how two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot and killed outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum on May 21. The victims – 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim – were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee when they were attacked. The couple was reportedly set to be engaged.
Read On The Fox News App
The alleged gunman, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, shouted, "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza," when he was taken into custody, according to authorities.
Wilson – along with the attorneys general for Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming and West Virginia – said the attack is a "sobering reminder of the persistence and growth of antisemitism in the United States."
Their letter also references how Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an illegal immigrant from Egypt, is accused of setting victims on fire in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, "while they peacefully rallied on behalf of Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza." The suspect was reportedly heard yelling, "Free Palestine," and other anti-Israel slogans. The victims range from ages 52 to 88. The letter cites how one of the burning victims is reportedly a Holocaust survivor.
"We applaud the FBI for wasting no time in investigating both of these recent incidences of antisemitic domestic terrorism," the letter says. "Senseless violence and the incitement of such violence is also becoming rampant on college campuses. Those who revel in the October 7 attacks show public hostility to the point where many Jewish students do not feel safe living everyday lives. Standing up to antisemitism on college campuses is something the states care about as well."
Patel Sounds Alarm As Chinese Nationals Charged With Smuggling 'Agroterrorism Agent' Into Us: 'Direct Threat'
The letter commends the work of the FBI and the DOJ's creation of "Joint Task Force October 7" to investigate antisemitism as "recent evidence of the Trump Administration's resolve to be a force for good in the fight against hate-inspired criminal activity."
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 29 establishing the mandate for his administration "to combat antisemitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful antisemitic harassment and violence."
He has also sought to empower state and local law enforcement by instructing "appropriate heads of executive departments" to "take all appropriate action to maximize the use of federal resources" to increase the "collection, distribution and uniformity of crime data across jurisdictions," the letter says. "After all, 'preparedness is most effectively owned and managed at the State, local and even individual levels, supported by a competent, accessible, and efficient federal government.'"
"As our states' chief legal officers, we see firsthand how effective use of investigative tools aid in the prosecution and prevention of criminal activity," the letter says. "And we want to work with the FBI and the Department of Justice to be part of the solution to the growing wave of antisemitic domestic terrorism. That's why we write to encourage further cooperation between federal law enforcement and the states, and for a chance to discuss what such a partnership could look like."
The letter says the "tips and leads amassed by the FBI could be shared with state and local law enforcement to stop domestic terrorism in its tracks."
The attorneys general went on to say that the "FBI is world-renowned for its investigative expertise, and the states appreciate the FBI's current efforts to disseminate threat intelligence to state and local law enforcement."
"At the same time, increased partnership between state, local and federal law enforcement to share intelligence on antisemitic threats could help stem the tide of domestic terrorism," the letter says. "We would welcome the chance to meet with you in the coming weeks to discuss a potential partnership between the FBI, the Department of Justice and the states. Together we can create a game plan to root out antisemitic domestic terrorism."Original article source: Republican state AGs seek 'game plan' from FBI, DOJ amid 'growing wave of antisemitic domestic terrorism'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
6 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Oman foreign minister says there will be sixth round of negotiations between Iran and US on Sunday
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran and the United States will hold a sixth round of negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program this Sunday in Oman, the sultanate's foreign minister said Thursday, as regional tensions have spiked in recent days. The announcement by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi comes as the U.S. is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest. Meanwhile, there have been warnings that ships could be targeted in regional waters over the tensions. Al-Busaidi made the announcement on the social platform X. 'I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday the 15th,' he wrote. Iran for days had been saying there would be talks, but Oman, which is serving as the mediator, had not confirmed them until now. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Reaching a deal is one of the several diplomatic priorities being juggled by U.S. President Donald Trump and his trusted friend and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. An accord could see the U.S. lift some of its crushing economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for it drastically limiting or ending its enrichment of uranium. But a failure to get a deal could see tensions further spike in a Middle East on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Iran's economy, long ailing, could enter a free fall that could worsen the simmering unrest at home. Israel or the U.S. might carry out long-threatened airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. And Tehran may decide to fully end its cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog and rush toward a bomb.
8 minutes ago
UN to vote on resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire, hostage release and aid access
UNITED NATIONS -- The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the opening of all Israeli border crossings for deliveries of desperately needed food and other aid. The resolution, drafted by Spain and obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, 'strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.' Experts and human rights workers say hunger is widespread in Gaza and some 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which it renewed in March after ending a ceasefire with Hamas. Last week, the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid. The United States vetoed the resolution because it was not linked to the release of the hostages, while all 14 other members of the council voted in favor. There are no vetoes in the 193-member General Assembly, where the resolution is expected to pass overwhelmingly. But unlike in the Security Council, assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are seen as a barometer of world opinion. After a 10-week blockade that barred all aid to Gaza, Israel is allowing the United Nations to deliver a trickle of food assistance and is backing a newly created U.S. aid group, which has opened several sites in the center and south of the territory to deliver food parcels. But the aid system rolled out last month by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been troubled by near-daily shootings as crowds make their way to aid sites, while the longstanding U.N.-run system has struggled to deliver food because of Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of law and order. The draft resolution being voted on Thursday references a March 28 legally binding order by the top United Nations court for Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza for food, water, fuel and other supplies. The International Court of Justice issued the order in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza, charges Israel strongly denies. The resolution stresses that Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. It reiterates the assembly's commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the Gaza Strip as part of a Palestinian state. The assembly is holding a high-level meeting next week to push for a two-state solution, which Israel has rejected. The resolution supports mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States aimed at implementing a January ceasefire agreement. When the U.S. vetoed last week's Gaza resolution, acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea said it would have undermined the security of Israel and diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire 'that reflects the realities on the ground.' Like the failed Security Council resolution, the resolution to be voted on Thursday also does not condemn Hamas' deadly attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the war, or say the militant group must disarm and withdraw from Gaza. Both are U.S. demands. The Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostage. About 55 hostages are still being held. Israel's military campaign has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead, but doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel says it has killed more than 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.
8 minutes ago
US governors are divided along party lines about military troops deployed to protests
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling President Donald Trump's military intervention at protests over federal immigration policy in Los Angeles an assault on democracy and has sued to try to stop it. Meanwhile, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is putting the National Guard on standby in areas in his state where demonstrations are planned. The divergent approaches illustrate the ways the two parties are trying to navigate national politics and the role of executive power in enforcing immigration policies. In his live TV address this week, Newsom said that Trump's move escalated the situation — and for political gain. All 22 other Democratic governors signed a statement sent by the Democratic Governors Association on Sunday backing Newsom, calling the Guard deployment and threats to send in Marines 'an alarming abuse of power' that "undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.' The protests in Los Angeles have mostly been contained to five blocks in a small section of downtown; nearly 200 people were detained on Tuesday and at least seven police officers have been injured. In Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how they're planning to deploy military troops for protests. Since Trump's return to office, Democratic governors have been calculating about when to criticize him, when to emphasize common ground and when to bite their tongues. The governors' responses are guided partly by a series of political considerations, said Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University: How would criticizing Trump play with Democrats, Republicans and independent voters in their states? And for those with presidential ambitions, how does that message resonate nationally? Democratic governors are weighing a number of considerations. 'There probably is some concern about retributions — what the reaction of the administration could be for a governor who takes a strong stance," Shields said. And in this case, polling indicates about half of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling immigration, though that polling was conducted before the recent military deployment. On other issues, Democratic governors have taken a variety of approaches with Trump. At a White House meeting in February, Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills told Trump, ' we'll see you in court ' over his push to cut off funding to the state because it allowed transgender athletes in girls' school sports. Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, publicly sparred with Trump during his first term but this time around, has met with him privately to find common ground. Initially, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green referred to Trump as a 'straight-up dictator," but the next month he told a local outlet that he was treading carefully, saying: 'I'm not going to criticize him directly much at all." Apart from their joint statement, some of the highest-profile Democratic governors have not talked publicly about the situation in California. When asked, on Wednesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's office pointed to a Sunday social media post about the joint statement. Whitmer didn't respond. The office of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who is set to testify before Congress on Thursday about his state laws protecting people who are in the country without legal status, reiterated in a statement that he stands with Newsom. The office said 'local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.' Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post, said Trump should not send troops to a weekend protest scheduled in Philadelphia. 'He's injected chaos into the world order, he's injected it into our economy, he is trying to inject chaos into our streets by doing what he did with the Guard in California," Shapiro said. As state attorney general during Trump's first term, Shapiro routinely boasted that he sued Trump over 40 times and won each time. As governor he has often treaded more carefully, by bashing Trump's tariffs, but not necessarily targeting Trump himself. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has often clashed with Newsom, a fellow term-limited governor with national ambitions. Newsom's office said DeSantis offered to send Florida State Guard troops to California. 'Given the guard were not needed in the first place, we declined Governor DeSantis attempt to inflame an already chaotic situation made worse by his Party's leader,' Newsom spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said in an email to The Associated Press. Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, DeSantis said the gesture was a typical offer of mutual aid during a crisis — and was dismissive of the reasons it was turned down. 'The way to put the fire out is to make sure you have law and order,' he said. Protests against immigration enforcement raids have sprung up in other cities — and a series of 'No Kings' demonstrations are planned for the weekend — with governors preparing to respond. In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said he has spoken with his public safety commissioner to make sure state and local police work together. 'I don't want to give the president any pretext to think he can come into Connecticut and militarize the situation. That just makes the situation worse,' said Lamont, who called Trump "a little eager to send federal troops and militarize the situation in Los Angeles.' It is unclear how many Texas National Guard members will be deployed or how many cities asked for assistance. In Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred protesters on Monday, the mayor's office said the National Guard was not requested. San Antonio officials also said they didn't request the Guard. Florida's DeSantis said law enforcement in his state is preparing 'The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you,' DeSantis said Tuesday. 'And we will make an example of you, you can guarantee it.' ___ Associated Press reporters Nadia Lathan and Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas; Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California; Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Michigan; Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago; contributed.
