27 GOP state attorneys general urge DOJ and FBI to help combat rising antisemitic domestic terrorism after deadly attacks.

Republican-Led States Seek Coordinated Federal Response

Attorneys general from 27 Republican-led states have requested a formal partnership with federal authorities to combat the rise of antisemitic domestic terrorism across the United States. In a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the group urged greater collaboration between state, federal, and local law enforcement to ensure perpetrators of recent violent incidents are brought to justice.

The letter, spearheaded by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, references a series of antisemitic attacks that have escalated since the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas in Israel. State leaders say that event marked a turning point in domestic hostility, emboldening extremists to carry out targeted violence against Jewish individuals and communities within the U.S.

Among the most severe incidents highlighted was the fatal shooting of two staffers from the Israeli Embassy outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, had just left a community event and were reportedly planning to get engaged. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest, according to authorities.

Another act cited occurred in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national allegedly set fire to a group of demonstrators who were peacefully advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Among the victims, who ranged in age from 52 to 88, was a Holocaust survivor. Witnesses say the suspect made anti-Israel remarks during the attack.

“Domestic terrorists have become more emboldened to commit horrific crimes against Jews and supporters of Israel,” the attorneys general wrote. “Our collective response will impact the trajectory of that development.”

The letter also draws attention to growing concerns on college campuses, where public expressions of support for the October 7 attacks have allegedly created an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students. The officials emphasized the need to address threats not only through criminal investigations but also through intelligence-sharing and preventative outreach.

Call for Intelligence Sharing and Federal Support

The attorneys general expressed appreciation for existing federal investigations but argued that deeper coordination is necessary. They pointed to the administration’s formation of “Joint Task Force October 7” as evidence of national commitment but said more can be done to empower state-level responses.

In their letter, the officials asked that FBI threat intelligence and investigative leads be shared more broadly with local jurisdictions. “The FBI is world-renowned for its investigative expertise,” they wrote, “and increased partnership with the states could help stem the tide of domestic terrorism.”

The correspondence also referenced an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, which instructs federal agencies to use all legal tools available to combat antisemitism and prosecute those engaged in harassment or violence. The attorneys general cited this mandate as a foundation for a new level of coordinated enforcement.

“As our states’ chief legal officers, we want to work with the FBI and the Department of Justice to be part of the solution,” the letter concluded. “Together we can create a game plan to root out antisemitic domestic terrorism.”

The officials requested a personal meeting with federal leaders in the coming weeks to discuss formalizing this partnership and advancing strategies that prioritize both enforcement and prevention across all levels of government.