New task force targets Hamas supporters in U.S

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a new task force to address terrorism linked to the Palestinian group Hamas. This task force, named Joint Task Force October 7, aims to seek justice for victims of the attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. Approximately 1,200 people died in those attacks, including 47 U.S. citizens. The task force will focus on identifying and prosecuting individuals who supported Hamas, along with investigating civil rights violations related to their actions. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that those responsible would face consequences. She stated, "The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win." Leading the task force will be a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department's National Security Division. It will also include an FBI special agent and a range of FBI professionals, including data scientists and analysts. The task force will work closely with Israel's National Bureau of Counter Terror Financing. This initiative comes on the heels of the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student accused of supporting Hamas. He was taken into custody by ICE for alleged activities aligned with the terrorist group. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the administration plans to deport any Hamas supporters holding U.S. green cards. Investigations related to Khalil also show he has made antisemitic posts online and organized anti-Israel protests at his university. His legal team has challenged the government's actions, claiming violations of his constitutional rights.