FBI director warns of increased terror threats, potential copycat attacks on US after Hamas invasion

FBI Director Christopher Wray is warning after the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that there is an increase in reported threats in the United States and there is a possibility of copycat attacks. 

"In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we’ve got to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own," Wray said Saturday at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in San Diego, Calif.

"So I encourage you to stay vigilant, because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence," Wray also said. "And I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have."

Wray's remarks came exactly one week after Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, killing more than 1,400 civilians, including at least 29 U.S. citizens, as well as women, children and the elderly in the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

The FBI has not formally updated its threat assessment since last week, when the agency said it "does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel."

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