Massachusetts, federal law enforcement ‘vigilant’ in wake of call for global action in support of Hamas

Police agencies in Massachusetts are responding to headlines that a Hamas leader had called for a “global day of jihad” today but say they have no intelligence pointing toward a threat in the Bay State.

“At this time we are aware of no specific or credible threats in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by terrorists, but as ever, we remain vigilant and will advise our citizens if that changes,” the Massachusetts State Police reported in a statement.

Other departments around the state, including the Boston and Newton police departments, have issued similar statements.

The threat appears to have been issued by Khaled Mashaal, a former leader of Hamas now heading its diaspora in Qatar, in a Thursday YouTube video that has since been removed, according to multiple news outlets.

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

The direct quote “global day of jihad” does not appear in any direct quotes from his statement, though multiple outlets quote him as calling for protests in support of Palestinians throughout the Muslim world.

“[We must] head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday,” Meshaal said in a statement sent to the news agency Reuters. “To all scholars who teach jihad… to all who teach and learn, this is a moment for the application (of theories).”

The Boston Regional Intelligence Center, or BRIC, “is not aware of any specific credible threats to the metro-Boston Homeland Security Region,” BPD spokesman Sgt. Det. John Boyle said in a statement.

“Since the start of the conflict, the Boston Police Department has been working closely with religious and cultural institutions in the region and has increased the uniformed presence of law enforcement surrounding them,” he continued. “Individuals are advised to remain vigilant and report any observed suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Newton Police issued a similar statement, adding that Hamas leaders had called for a “a day of general mobilization,” a quotation that has appeared in coverage from legitimate sources.

“Newton Police have been taking added precautions since Saturday morning. NPD is in close touch with Jewish and Israeli affiliated institutions and the Newton Public Schools and will be providing extra security measures,” according to the department’s statement.

Military leaders and federal law enforcement have also said there is no discernible threat to our shores.

The FBI stated the day after the Hamas attack on Israel that while it “does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States … we are closely monitoring unfolding events and will share relevant information with our state, local, federal and international law enforcement, intelligence and homeland security partners to ensure they are prepared for any impacts to public safety. We will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people.”

Admiral John Kirby of the National Security Council said during a White House briefing Thursday that 27 Americans had been confirmed killed in the bloodshed, with another 14 Americans missing.

“We are constantly in touch with local law enforcement, state and federal officials across the country to make sure that we are as vigilant as we can be to be able to identify and disrupt any threats to the American people,” he said when asked about the call for a “day of jihad.” “We’re absolutely going to stay focused on that.”

This is a developing story.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/IDYX0yt