Rising antisemitism since Hamas’ terror attack part of ‘preexisting’ trend: DHS chief

A rise in antisemitism since Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel is part of “preexisting increase … in the United States and around the world,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told a Senate committee on Tuesday.

“Hamas terrorists horrifically attacked thousands of innocent men, women and children in Israel on Oct. 7, brutally murdering, wounding, and taking hostages of all ages,” Mayorkas said. “In the days and weeks since, we have responded to an increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab-American communities and institutions across our country.”

Lawmakers on Tuesday gathered national security leaders to address a range of threats to the U.S., including those stemming from the Israel-Hamas war.

Mayorkas laid out resources and authorities that he believes his department needs from Congress and he urged lawmakers not to let them lapse in the coming weeks. The Homeland Security office dedicated to stopping weapons of mass destruction faces a Dec. 21 expiration deadline.

“That would hinder our ability to detect biological and illicit nuclear material threats and safeguard against the use of AI in the development of biological weapons,” Mayorkas said.

The ongoing national threats hearing is also expected to touch on the proliferation of the ultra-deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, cyber security and the increasing severity of natural disasters.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.