Attorney General Merrick Garland visited the US Attorney’s Office in New York City on Monday, when he shared brief public remarks about his office’s role in securing the safe return of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
During his visit, Garland met with US Attorney Damian Williams as well as other federal, state and local law enforcement leaders to discuss issues in their communities. The visit is part of the attorney general’s plan to visit other US Attorney’s Offices across the country.
“While these types of meetings between the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners are always important, the current global threat environment makes it particularly urgent,” Garland began his remarks. statement.
“In the past few days, more than 40 hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th have been released. Among them is Avigail Idan, a 4-year-old American,” he continued. “We welcome the return of Avigail and hope to see the return of more hostages in the coming days.”
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US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a meeting with US Attorney Damian Williams, not pictured, as well as federal, state and local law enforcement leaders, in New York City on Nov. 27, 2023. (EDUARDO MUNOZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The attorney general, who was at Williams’ side, said the department’s Victims Services Office, as well as corresponding victim services offices within the FBI, stand ready to “provide assistance to freed Americans and their families .”
“We also remain committed to working with our partners across the US government to ensure the return of all missing Americans, including those still held hostage. As always, but especially today, the Justice Department remains vigilant in the face of potential threats of hate-fueled violence and terrorism.”
Garland also said his department is focused on domestic activity that could be influenced by the Israel-Hamas war and broader tensions across the Middle East.
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“We are closely monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on inspiring Foreign Terrorist Organizations, homegrown violent extremists and domestic violent extremists, here in the United States and abroad,” he said. “We have all also seen a sharp increase in the number and frequency of threats against the Jewish Muslim and Arab communities in our country since October 7.”
US Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, spoke on topics including the Israel-Hamas war, increased threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities, and how the Justice Department will assist in the investigation of possible hate crimes in the US (Eduardo Munoz-Pool/Getty Images)
The attorney general then specifically mentioned the investigation outside Vermont, where three Palestinian men were attacked.
“There’s an understandable fear in communities across the country,” Garland said. “Even as we speak, the ATF and the FBI are investigating the tragic shooting of three men of Palestinian and Vermont descent. That investigation, including whether this was a hate crime, is ongoing.”
US Attorney General Merrick Garland meets with US Attorney Damian Williams, left, as well as federal, state and local law enforcement leaders, in New York City on Nov. 27, 2023. (EDUARDO MUNOZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the attack.
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“No person and no community in this country should live in fear of hate-fueled violence. Fulfilling that promise motivates us every day,” he added.
Garland said updates on the investigation from Vermont are “coming soon.”
“As we face the high threat environment around the world, we also know that we cannot lose sight of the many other challenges and that includes working closely with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” continued attorney general.
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He also gave examples of how his office continues to look for ways to stem the flow of deadly fentanyl.
“This office also plays an important part in the Justice Department’s broader strategy to disrupt and dismantle fentanyl by attacking every link in the chain of trafficking networks,” he said.
