WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) and Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, requesting information and documents pertaining to any efforts by DHS and the FBI to assist law enforcement and other partners in response to anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas mobs on college campuses.

In the letter, the Chairmen highlight Columbia University, as it has failed to effectively respond to an increase in threats and acts of violence against Jewish students––despite receiving federal funding under DHS’ Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention grant program. Read the full letter here.
 

Read more from Jon Michael Raasch via Daily Mail

In the letter the Chairmen state, “We write to request information regarding any efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assist law enforcement and other partners against the surge of anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas mobs on college campuses. While we recognize that every American has the right to peacefully protest, individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization are patently dangerous, and potentially criminal.”

The Chairmen continue, “This past November, you both appeared before the Committee on Homeland Security and testified about increased security threats following Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7th. Secretary Mayorkas testified that DHS “is closely monitoring unfolding events and will continue to engage in information sharing with our homeland security partners at home and abroad.” He further stated that DHS, with its partners across the government, “will continue to help communities prepare for and respond to a range of public safety challenges and are working tirelessly on this mission, which has never been more important.” It is unclear, however, that DHS is taking sufficient steps to ensure the safety and security of the homeland.”

The Chairmen conclude, “Additionally, Director Wray testified that the FBI has observed a “rogue’s gallery of foreign terrorist organizations’ call for attacks on Americans and our allies,” and how terrorist organizations are urging their followers to target Jewish communities in the United States and elsewhere. We are especially concerned about the threat of a “lone wolf” actor attempting to commit a terrorist attack based on an ideology of hate against Jewish people. It is unclear from the Committee’s oversight how the FBI is protecting the American people from these potential terrorist attacks by countering possible terrorist cells and operatives here in the homeland.”

Background:

Last December, Chairman Pfluger led a roundtable on the growing trend of anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks against Israel by Hamas terrorists. The roundtable consisted of Elan Carr, the former special envoy for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism under the Trump administration; Dr. Charles Asher Small, the executive director of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism & Policy; Sabrina Soffer, a student at George Washington (GW) University and former commissioner of the Special Presidential Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism at GW; and Dr. Emily Blout, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Jewish Civilization.

On October 10, 2023, Republican members of the Committee sent a letter to President Joe Biden condemning the horrific terrorist attacks against Israel by Iran-backed Hamas and expressing deep concern over the Biden administration’s policy of appeasement toward Iran. The letter emphasized Congress’ unwavering commitment to Israel and underscores Israel’s right to “sovereignty and self-defense.”

Shortly after, on October 25, Chairman Green and Subcommittee Chairman Pfluger led a hearingto assess the threats posed by the Iranian regime to U.S. homeland security and that of our partners. In the hearing, members received confirmation of the immediate and significant threat the Iranian regime poses to U.S. homeland security. Witnesses testified on the malign regime’s funding of terrorist proxies, such as Hizballah and Hamas, possible terrorist exploitation of vulnerabilities at our open Southwest border, and the need to urgently address the numerous Iranian-backed plots and influence operations on American soil.

In March, the Committee held a hearing to examine the persistent, malicious, and growing activity by Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as Hamas, Hizballah, and the Houthis, and the near- and long-term implications for homeland security. Witness testimony was given by DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Due to the classified nature of much of the information discussed, the hearing was moved to a closed session following opening statements.