Massachusetts State Police ready to respond related to Israel attack worldwide

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Barriers have been placed around the Capitol in Washington D.C. as Hamas calls for a ‘day of rage’ Friday.

A former Hamas leader is asking Muslims to take to the streets and deliver a message of anger in support of Palestinians. Massachusetts State Police say they remain vigilant and ready to respond to any threats as the conflict between Israel and Hamas could spread to cities worldwide.

The Springfield Police has increased visibility around the city and at places of worship to help ensure the safety of the community. They have been in contact with multiple community partners throughout the past week.

“There’s been no credible threats here in Massachusetts, we stay in close contact with the FBI and our partners at the Massachusetts State Police. And they send out information. We have officers doing special attention at all places of worship today, we have our K9s out, our ordinance unit, our officers and they are all over the place,” said Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh.

Historically, such calls for action or for a “day of rage” have produced large demonstrations and unrest in Gaza and the West Bank. However, they have not led to large-scale attacks in the U.S. in the past.

Law enforcement and local organizations like the Jewish Federation of Western Mass want people to feel at ease when going to school or attending services.

“We want to ensure that everyone can worship, can educate their children, can show up to events and feel that they are safe in community,” said Nora Gorenstein, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass.

Gorenstein said bomb threats were received in Northern Connecticut Friday but there’s been no credible threats right here in Springfield or across western Massachusetts.

State police spokesperson Dave Procopio said there are no specific or credible threats in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by Hamas.

“The Massachusetts State Police maintain constant vigilance and a consistently high state of readiness to rapidly respond to developing threats, critical incidents, and requests for assistance.

Additionally, our Fusion Center is in constant communication with our local, federal, and international law enforcement partners regarding potential threats, while our Watch Center monitors incidents across the state and region 24/7/365 to provide awareness to incident commanders and coordinate deployment of State Police assets as needed. 

At this time we are aware of no specific or credible threats in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by terrorists, but as ever, we remain vigilant.

We will continue to communicate with and advise our partners, including the ADL and other organizations of any potential threats. Additionally, we are prepared to support communities and educational institutions with protest and civil disorder response if needed.

As always, we urge the public to call 911 to immediately report any suspicious person, object, or activity to law enforcement.”

Dave Procopio – Director, Media Communications for Massachusetts State Police