(PatriotWise.com) — Federal and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States increased patrols around synagogues, Jewish communities, Jewish-owned businesses, and Israeli diplomatic buildings last Friday after a former Hamas leader called for a global “day of rage,” NBC News reported.
Former Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal last Wednesday called for Muslims to rise up on Friday, October 13 in support of Hamas and urged Muslims in the Middle East to join the fight against Israel, Reuters reported.
Meshaal, who heads up Hamas’ diaspora office in Qatar, also said the governments of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have a duty to support the Palestinian people.
While calls for a “day of rage” traditionally result in large demonstrations in the Muslim world, historically, they have not resulted in large-scale violence in the United States.
However, multiple law enforcement officials confirmed last week that they are monitoring chatter on social media suggesting possible retaliatory strikes against Israel since it declared war on Hamas over the October 7 surprise terrorist attacks that killed more than 1,300 Israeli citizens.
In cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, law enforcement heightened their security postures.
The NYPD canceled all training and ordered its entire force to be in uniform and on patrol. NYPD officers provided additional security at Jewish culture sites and synagogues last Friday.
Likewise, all LAPD officers were ordered to report for duty last Friday. LAPD officials said they were providing additional personnel at any pro-Hamas protests or demonstrations in support of Israel.
The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, along with the FBI, DHS, and Secret Service increased monitoring while additional officers were added to the Israeli Embassy and other locations deemed vulnerable.
A senior law enforcement official told NBC News that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies viewed Friday’s “day of rage” as a “bellwether” for the current level of antisemitism in the United States.
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