AG Garland Reports Significant Increase in Terror Threats in US Since October 7th

Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed concern on Tuesday about the increased threat level for a terrorist attack on U.S. soil following the actions of Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists who killed 1,200 Israeli civilians and took approximately 250 hostages on Oct. 7.

“I am concerned about the potential for a terrorist attack in the country after Oct. 7,” Garland stated during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ). “The threat level has significantly risen for us. Every morning, we assess this risk. We monitor individuals who may pose a threat to the country.

“This is a top priority for the Justice Department.”

Garland has faced criticism from House Republicans who are pushing for him to be held in contempt of Congress for refusing to provide audio recordings of special counsel Robert Hur’s interviews with President Joe Biden and his ghostwriter Matt Zwonitzer during Hur’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents.

In May, the Judiciary Committee and Committee on Oversight and Accountability voted to hold Garland in contempt, and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., indicated that a vote before the full House is imminent.

When asked about the rise in antisemitism across the U.S. by Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., Garland addressed the issue, mentioning a synagogue in her district that has received threats. He cited the arrest of Kevin Dunlow, 62, of Huntington Beach, California, in connection with making violent threats and a false bomb threat to the sheriff’s office in Wake County, North Carolina, as a response to such incidents.

“Since Oct. 7, there has been a disturbing increase in antisemitic threats, as well as anti-Arab and anti-Muslim threats in the country, causing fear in these communities,” Garland stated. “It is a crucial part of our civil rights work to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and halt these threats.”