Feds warn about threats to Israeli and Jewish institutions and supporters in U.S.
Washington — Federal law enforcement agencies have issued a new intelligence bulletin, obtained by CBS News, warning that recent attacks in Boulder, Colorado, at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and at the Pennsylvania governor's residence "could motivate others to conduct violence against Israeli and Jewish institutions, or their supporters."
The memo was issued by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center to law enforcement nationwide Wednesday, voicing concern that "some individuals online are sharing the manifesto of the alleged Capital Jewish Museum attacker, praising their actions, and calling for additional violence."
"We advise security partners to remain vigilant for threats of targeted violence against Jewish and Israeli communities, and their supporters," the memo says.
On Sunday, a suspect allegedly used Molotov cocktails to attack a march for Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, injuring more than a dozen people. He has since been charged with 118 state criminal charges, including 28 counts of attempted murder.
On May 21, two Israeli Embassy employees, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot and killed as they left the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, who shouted "Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody, faces first-degree murder charges.
And in April, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, was allegedly targeted by a man who officials say intentionally set fire to the governor's residence while Shapiro and his family were home asleep. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder, terrorism and other crimes.
The law enforcement bulletin said intelligence analysts assess that "online messaging promoting violence by foreign terrorist organizations, their supporters, and other threat actors particularly messaging that highlights successful attacks –- could compel threat actors motivated by various ideologies to engage in violence."
The law enforcement agencies also warned that foreign terrorist organizations have pushed content encouraging violence regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, "and the online messaging is one of many factors that has influenced the radicalization of violent extremists."
contributed to this report.
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Butler, George's spokesman, rejected any suggestion that the Army's embrace of a military parade had anything to do with that. 'We're on the record: No one was pitching a national event to save their job,' Butler said. The celebration has continued to grow over recent months. It now is expected to include 28 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker combat vehicles, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, an array of other vehicles and 6,700 soldiers from across the country. The estimated cost is about $45 million, Army officials have said — a flash point as the service cuts programs to fund new Trump priorities. The Army has vowed to foot the bill for any damage to city streets, with local officials particularly worried they'll be chewed up by tanks. Reagan National Airport will halt takeoffs and landings for up to several hours, and waterways on the Potomac will be closed. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 23rd streets. On Friday, preparations were underway for the event. Crews along Constitution Avenue NW worked on what looked like a platform just south of the White House. A stage was under construction just off the Ellipse, the federally controlled park south of the White House. It remains unclear how organizers are planning to build a crowd for the event. Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said they were using their website, social media, media coverage and partnerships with sports teams to drum up awareness. 'We've focused on the four-hour radius around D.C. That is really where we are marketing,' Smith said, adding that participating Army units around the country are spreading the word in their own communities. She said the Army is also 'partnering with third-party influencers,' but she was unable to provide a list of names because the computer system was down. Recruitment ads have also popped up on the D.C. Metro saying: 'Explore 250+ Army careers. Meet us June 14th on The National Mall.' Destination DC, the city's main tourism organization, published an online FAQ guide to the 250th celebration. Tucked among guidance on Metro station closures, scheduling logistics and ticket information is the question, 'Is this a political event?' The response: 'No. The celebration is focused on the Army's 250 years of service to the country — not on politics. The day honors Soldiers past and present and highlights the Army's role in American history.' 'President Trump is looking forward to celebrating the U.S. Army's birthday as part of the year-long celebration for America's 250th anniversary,' said Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary. 'This parade will honor all of the military men and women who have bravely served our country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.' While officials have downplayed Trump's birthday, the president is expected to be at the center of attention. 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