Over 30 members of Congress demanded answers from Attorney General Merrick Garland over "pro-Hamas" activity in the United States.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) led the group in demanding that Garland tell them what steps the Department of Justice is taking to monitor alleged Hamas sympathizers operating in the U.S. and protect citizens from possible terror attacks from Hamas members or sympathizers.
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"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," the group wrote in the letter.
"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," it added. "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."
"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," it continued. "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."
The letter also mentioned the Justice Department's controversial treatment of parents protesting school board meetings when it directed the FBI to go after such parents under the guise of combating violence. It said that no such treatment has been given to recent protesters in favor of the Palestinian cause or against Israel.
"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," the letter said. "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."
Protests have taken place across the U.S. following Hamas's surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7, which killed over 1,300 Israeli civilians. Most protests are centered on calls for a ceasefire, calls for a fully independent Palestinian state, and harsh criticism of Israel, which demonstrators frequently describe as "genocidal" and an "apartheid state." Most would likely object to being labeled pro-Hamas and usually avoid mentioning the terrorist organization.
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A Columbia University student who observed one of the largest pro-Palestinian protests in New York City told the Washington Examiner that he or she did not hear Hamas mentioned during the demonstration.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Moolenaar for comment.