Moolenaar and More Than 30 Members of Congress Demand Answers from AG Garland on Pro-Hamas Activity in the United States

Congressman John Moolenaar led more than 30 members of Congress in demanding answers from Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice’s response to multiple pro-Hamas demonstrations that have taken place across the United States following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. Numerous pro-Hamas rallies have been held across the country and many demonstrators have called for violence against people in Israel and the United States. Supporters of these demonstrations also called for a “Day of Rage” on October 13, which led to heightened security at the United States Capitol and cities across America, as well as synagogues and schools.

In the letter, Moolenaar and more than 30 other members of Congress call for Garland to see if Hamas supporters in the U.S. are coordinating with the terrorist organization. They also tell Garland:

“Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our nation, but coordinated activities supporting Hamas, and intimidating and endangering other citizens have no place in our lawful society. Your department plays a critical role in enforcing the equal application of the law and safeguarding our nation's security. In that regard, we want to know what steps are being taken by the Department of Justice to investigate Hamas supporters in the United States, as well as the perpetrators of anti-Semitic violence in cities and school campuses across the nation.”

…

“Since Hamas’s recent attack on Israel, you have not issued a similar memo about the increase of anti-Semitic violence, the threats of intimidation being made against supporters of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Your inaction in the face of these threats is alarming and requires us to ask the following questions to ensure you are being held accountable to the American people and the Constitution you have sworn to uphold.”

The full text of the lawmakers’ letter and their questions to Attorney General Garland is below:

Dear Attorney General Merrick Garland,

We are writing to express the very disheartening and concerning reports of public rallies in support of Hamas, which is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the federal government. Since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, our country has seen rallies of support for Hamas, violence directed at Jewish Americans, and anti-Semitic vandalism in cities and college campuses across the nation. This campaign of harassment against Jewish communities and their allies even included a “Day of Rage,” which led to heightened security measures at the U.S. Capitol and cities across the nation. In many cases, law enforcement also increased security around synagogues and schools.

These are alarming incidents. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our nation, but coordinated activities supporting Hamas, and intimidating and endangering other citizens have no place in our lawful society. Your department plays a critical role in enforcing the equal application of the law and safeguarding our nation's security. In that regard, we want to know what steps are being taken by the Department of Justice to investigate Hamas supporters in the United States, as well as the perpetrators of anti-Semitic violence in cities and school campuses across the nation.

On October 4, 2021, your department announced its intention to go after American parents who were speaking on behalf of their children at school board meetings across the nation. In a memo written at the behest of left-wing activists you cited “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence,” and said that “[w]hile spirited debate about policy matters is protected under our Constitution, that protection does not extend to threats of violence or efforts to intimidate individuals based on their views.”[1] You then directed the FBI to work with state, local, and tribal law enforcement to address those perceived “threats.”

 However, since Hamas’s recent attack on Israel, you have not issued a similar memo about the increase of anti-Semitic violence, the threats of intimidation being made against supporters of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Your inaction in the face of these threats is alarming and requires us to ask the following questions to ensure you are being held accountable to the American people and the Constitution you have sworn to uphold.

1. As Attorney General, do you believe American parents at school board meetings are more of a threat to public safety than the pro-Hamas supporters in the United States calling for the death of Israel?
2. What is the Department of Justice's current assessment of the situation regarding pro-Hamas groups in the United States? Has the Department of Justice identified leaders of these organizations and is it investigating whether these individuals are coordinating or communicating with members of Hamas?
3. Are there any ongoing investigations or legal actions against individuals or groups who have publicly stated at pro-Hamas rallies this that they seek the death of their fellow citizens and classmates?
4. Are federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, coordinating with local and state law enforcement to monitor and address potential threats associated with pro-Hamas rallies?
5. How are the known instances of hate speech, incitement to violence, or harassment related to these protests being addressed? Have individuals making violent comments been detained for questioning by federal law enforcement?
6. Have you directed the U.S. Attorneys working for you to initiate investigations into pro-Hamas organizations in the United States since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7?
7. Have you and FBI Director Christopher Wray discussed opening a tip line and website where the public can report anti-Semitic intimidation and harassment? When will such a line be opened? How will it be staffed and monitored to make sure these cases are investigated and prosecuted, if warranted?
8. How is the Department of Justice working with universities and educational institutions to protect Jewish students and prevent dangerous pro-Hamas events from threatening public safety?
9. What steps are being taken by the Department of Justice to enhance public awareness and education about the dangers of Hamas and anti-Semitism, especially within the academic community?

We look forward to your response on this matter.

Sincerely,