As More Bomb Threats Target Jewish Schools, Senators Demand Swift Action

Every Senator signed a letter demanding the FBI, Homeland Security and Attorney General do more to stop the bomb threats.

Senators signed a letter demanding top law enforcement officials take “concrete steps” to stop the continuing wave of bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

The letter was sent Tuesday as bomb threats, made through phone calls and emails, were received at Jewish institutions in at least eight states, including three schools, reports the Washington Post.

“We write to underscore the need for swift action with regard to the deeply troubling series of anonymous bomb threats made against Jewish Community Centers, Jewish day schools, synagogues and other buildings affiliated with Jewish organizations or institutions across the country,” the letter stated.

The letter was addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, FBI Director James Comey and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly.

RELATED: Jewish Schools, Community Centers Receive Wave of Bomb Threats

The Anti-Defamation League had tallied 121 bomb threats across the U.S. and Canada against Jewish Community Centers and schools before Tuesday.

“It is time for action, and we call on the administration and Congress to take concrete steps to catch those threatening the Jewish community,” Anti-Defamation League Chief Executive Jonathan A. Greenblatt said.

On March 3, Comey discussed the threats with Jewish community leaders and released a joint statement commending “the extraordinary effort that the FBI is applying to the ongoing investigation.”

Kelly said the DHS is “heightening” its support of Jewish Community Centers and offering training for officials.

Police arrested Juan Thompson, 31, Monday and accused him of making at least eight bomb threats against Jewish institutions in a scheme to harass and frame his ex-girlfriend. The FBI said in a statement they do not believe Thompson is responsible for all of the bomb threats or the defamation of headstones that occurred at three Jewish cemeteries recently.

President Donald Trump condemned the bomb threats against Jewish institutions in the beginning of his address to Congress last week after being criticized for not speaking out during two news conferences in February.

A recent FBI report showed hate crimes rose slightly in 2015, with Muslims notably experiencing a 67 percent increase in hate crimes compared to 2014.

All 50 Senators signed Tuesday’s letter, which called the bomb threats un-American and warned the threats “threaten the financial viability of JCCs, many of which are institutions in their communities.”

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