Capitol Hill will have increased security presence and activity because of the Israel-Hamas conflict and online discussions of a “Global Day of Rage” set for Friday, according to a notice sent to congressional staff by House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland.
The Capitol Police said there are not specific threats directed at Congress, but the agency is “enhancing security through the Capitol Complex.” McFarland also said his office’s current intelligence “indicates no direct threats to the U.S. homeland or the Congressional Community.”
“We are actively monitoring information circulating on social media and other platforms” about the day of rage, the notice said.
McFarland said there will be visible security measures, such as restrictions to the Capitol Plaza. There will also be behind-the-scenes security enhancements, he said, adding that his office is working with the Capitol Police, along with federal and state law enforcement partners to keep the community informed of any developments.
A spokesperson for the Capitol Police said their “dedicated teams are working around the clock to coordinate with our law enforcement and intelligence partners across the country to keep everyone safe.”
Khaled Mashal, a former leader of Hamas, the terrorist organization that invaded Israel this past weekend, has called for Friday to be a global day of “anger” and said it would send a “message of rage to Zionists and to America,” NBC News reported.
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