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EXCLUSIVE: A member of the House Homeland Security Committee is leading an urgent hearing on the rising tide of antisemitic violence across the United States, prompted by horrific incidents in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.
This alarming trend is not isolated, according to Rep. August Pfluger, who chairs the committee’s subcommittee on counterterrorism and intelligence. On June 11, Pfluger plans to convene a hearing to delve into the increase of anti-Israel terrorist activities occurring on American soil.
“The string of attacks—from harassment of Jewish students to the chilling execution of two Israeli staffers in D.C.—is indicative of a troubling pattern,” Pfluger stated in a declaration to Fox News Digital. He emphasized that antisemitic violence and harassment cannot be ignored in the United States, whether it occurs on college campuses or within local communities.
In the aftermath of the attacks, the House is intensifying its focus on community safety and the protection of Jewish citizens. Pfluger remarked, “Antisemitism must be confronted head-on, as our Jewish neighbors deserve to live without fear of hatred or persecution.”
Among the witnesses scheduled to testify is Kerry Sleeper, deputy director for intelligence and information sharing at the Secure Community Network, the largest Jewish security organization in North America. Sleeper supervises operations at the National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, which collaborates with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI for intelligence sharing.
Responding to Rising Threats
Pfluger has been a vocal advocate against antisemitic violence and various terror threats that pose risks to American citizens. In February, he reintroduced the Countering Online Radicalization and Terrorism Act, legislation aiming to compel DHS to perform yearly assessments regarding the dangers posed by terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Hamas, particularly as they utilize digital communication platforms.
This measure has garnered bipartisan backing, with Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta from California as a co-sponsor, indicating a united front against the growing issue of domestic terrorism.
Recent Incidents Highlight Urgency
The upcoming hearing follows a shocking event where a gunman opened fire and killed two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington in May. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, was taken into custody by law enforcement following the attack.
The violence did not stop there. In Boulder, the terrorist incident left dozens injured, including a Holocaust survivor, during a grassroots event called Run for Their Lives, which aimed to raise awareness about Israeli hostages.
Authorities reported that the accused attacker, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, entered the U.S. under the current administration and had overstayed his visa. Eyewitness accounts recounted that Soliman, 45, shouted “Free Palestine” while launching a flamethrower assault on the event attendees.
Concerns from Lawmakers and Law Enforcement
U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials have consistently raised alarms about the potential for foreign terrorists infiltrating the nation and executing attacks against civilians. Notable figures such as Rep. Mike Turner from Ohio and House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green expressed concerns in August 2024 after a House Judiciary Committee report revealed that nearly 100 illegal immigrants on the terrorist watch list had been released under the current administration.
In a joint statement, Turner and Green condemned the Biden administration’s open border policies, stating, “These measures have not only welcomed potential terrorists but also hindered our ability to protect American citizens in their own communities.”
FBI’s Warnings Echo Concerns
The FBI has echoed these sentiments. Former Director Christopher Wray expressed serious concerns regarding foreign terrorists exploiting the U.S. southern border or other entry points to execute plans against Americans. In April 2024, he reported that the Bureau had collaborated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across multiple U.S. cities to detain individuals with suspected ties to international terrorism.
With the threats escalating, it remains essential for lawmakers, law enforcement, and community leaders to work together to ensure national security.
The Path Forward
As the House prepares to address these pressing issues, it is clear that the intersection of increased antisemitic violence and international terrorism necessitates immediate, proactive measures. Local and federal agencies must enhance their collaboration to mitigate threats and ensure the safety of all Americans. Silence on these matters is unacceptable. As Rep. Pfluger aptly noted, a concerted effort is required to ensure our nation remains a bastion of freedom and safety for everyone.
