FBI: Series of Anti-Semitic Bomb Threats Linked to Overseas Perpetrators
FBI suspects international origin for numerous false bomb threats targeting Jewish institutions in the US over the weekend
The FBI believes that the hundreds of false bomb threats sent to Jewish facilities across the US over the weekend are connected and likely coming from outside the country. In a message to national Jewish organizations, the FBI stated that the language and email tradecraft used in the threats appear to be similar, indicating a connection between the perpetrators.
The bureau reassured that none of the email threats have posed a real danger to the congregants, as none of them have contained actual explosive devices or credible risks of harm.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, over 400 Jewish facilities have received false bomb threats via email since last Saturday. The organization made this announcement on Monday.
Oren Segal, the ADL's Center on Extremism vice president, informed CNN that the organization suspected that either an individual or a small group was responsible for the threats. Segal, who had reviewed the messages, noted that the emails shared similarities in the nature of the alleged threats and variations in the name of the group claiming responsibility.
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More than 400 Jewish facilities received false bomb threats this weekend, non-profit says
Segal emphasized that the recent bomb threats were an example of how modern technology is being used to perpetuate an age-old tactic of instilling fear. According to the Secure Community Network, over 200 bomb threats and "swatting calls" have been reported, targeting Jewish institutions across several states, including California, Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, and Washington.
The FBI is currently investigating threats in over 30 of its field offices across the US, the bureau announced. Previously, the agency stated that it was aware of the hoaxes and had no information indicating a current, credible threat.
Following the conclusion of Hanukkah, a surge in threats targeting the Jewish community has been reported, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Since Hamas's October 7 attack and amidst Israel's ongoing siege of the enclave, there has been a notable increase in hate crimes and bias incidents against Jews, Muslims, and Arabs across the US.
CNNs Sabrina Shulman and John Miller contributed to this report.
