In a recent FBI oversight hearing, Director Christopher Wray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, shedding light on the growing threats faced by the United States. Wray stated that the current “threat matrix” is at unprecedented levels since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. This alarming revelation comes as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack and its implications for national security.
During the hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Wray about the current threat landscape. Wray responded, “What I would say that is unique about the environment that we’re in right now in my career is that while there may have been times over the years where individual threats could have been higher here or there than where they may be right now, I’ve never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are all elevated, all at exactly the same time.”
Drawing a parallel to the pre-9/11 era, Graham asked if there were multiple blinking red lights indicating imminent danger. Wray’s response was chilling, stating, “I see blinking red lights everywhere.” He emphasized that since the Oct. 7 attack, a “veritable rogue’s gallery of foreign terrorists” has called for attacks against the U.S., raising the threat level to a whole new level.
Wray’s testimony echoes his previous warning in October, where he highlighted the actions of Hamas and its allies as an inspiration for terrorism on a scale not seen since the rise of ISIS. The attorney general at the time, Merrick Garland, also noted a spike in reported threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in the United States following the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
The threat isn’t limited to overseas attacks. The Pentagon confirmed at least 74 attacks on U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, linked to Iranian-backed proxy groups. These attacks are believed to be a response to U.S. support for Israel in its retaliation against Hamas. It’s important to note that these figures don’t include ballistic missiles fired towards U.S. military vessels, which have been successfully intercepted.
Closer to home, the FBI and Las Vegas police recently thwarted a potential terror plot by a teenager who pledged support to ISIS. The 16-year-old suspect was arrested, and authorities found components for an explosive device and terrorist propaganda. This arrest highlights the ongoing threat of lone-wolf attacks and the need for continued vigilance in combating terrorism within the country.
While Director Wray’s testimony paints a grim picture of the current security landscape, it also serves as a call to action. As threats continue to evolve and multiply, it is crucial for Congress to prioritize national security measures and provide the necessary resources to combat these challenges effectively.
By Christopher Pandolfo, Digital Writer
Contact: [email protected]
Follow on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo
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