HOUSTON — Houston is one of several cities across the world that pumped up security in anticipation of possible threats on Friday.
The concerns stem from comments made by the former Hamas chief calling for protests and a global jihad.
The FBI's Houston Field Office didn't share any specific concern but said it's working closely with law enforcement to identify any threats that could emerge.
The Jewish Community Center in Meyerland is one of the places that added more on-site security officers. Even though the JCC said it doesn't have any information on any legitimate threat, it's still airing on the side of caution. In an email sent to community members, the JCC's CEO wrote, "We have been made aware of propaganda circulating on the internet and social media that calls for the targeting of the Jewish community with violence on Friday, October 13, 2023."
In response, a constable deputy and several other armed security officers will be placed both inside and outside of the JCC starting Friday.
Israeli Consul General to the Southwest Livia Link said terrorism comes in many forms.
"I say terrorism comes in many ways. One thing is what they did on Saturday. The other thing is keeping all of us around the globe in fear. This is terrorism," Link said. "I know Jewish communities and communities around the world are taking it seriously and taking necessary precautions."
Also on Thursday, the Council on American Islamic Relations Houston chapter criticized what it's calling a one-sided portrayal of the situation in Gaza. They said they feared for the citizens of Gaza and asked that others demonstrate on their behalf without any mention of violence or jihad.
"We call on those who support human rights and liberty to join local actions here in Houston and surrounding areas supporting the Palestinian call for freedom," CAIR Houston's William White said.
Here's the FBI Houston Field Office's statement:
"The FBI is aware of open-source reports about calls for global action on Friday, October 13th that may lead to demonstrations in communities throughout the United States. The FBI Houston field office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to share information and identify and disrupt any threats that may emerge."