LAKEWOOD, NJ – FBI Director Christopher Wray has issued a warning to Americans in the U.S. regarding an increase in threats from Hamas-linked militants. That warning was heard in New Jersey, home to one of the largest per-capita Jewish populations in America.
Trailing behind New York, which has an 8.8% Jewish population, 6.6% of New Jerseyans are Jewish. New Jersey is also home to one of the largest concentrations of religious Orthodox Jews, in Lakewood Township and the surrounding communities of Toms River and Jackson.
That threat was visible this weekend in Lakewood as scores of New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and local police patrolled the streets throughout the day.
Police were also stationed outside a mosque on Whitesville Road in Toms River on Saturday.
FBI Director Chris Wray spoke at the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference in San Diego this Saturday, warning of a concerning increase in domestic threats tied to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.
During his speech, Wray expressed his “heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel,” condemning the “sheer brutality and disregard for innocent lives” seen in the conflict. “History has been witness to antisemitic and other forms of violent extremism for far too long,” said Wray. “The targeting of a community because of their faith is completely unacceptable.”
Wray further stated that the FBI remains dedicated to confronting these threats, whether they originate overseas or are fueled by domestic violent extremists. “We remain committed to continue confronting those threats—both here in the United States and overseas,” he confirmed.
He also highlighted the challenge of “lone actors” who may be inspired by current events to commit violent acts. “In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats,” Wray noted. He encouraged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and continue sharing intelligence, as they often serve as the first line of defense in communities.
The FBI Director concluded his address by urging law enforcement to stay alert and continue sharing any relevant information. “You’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence,” Wray said.