LAPD increases patrols following Hamas' calls for 'global day of jihad'

The Los Angeles Police Department is increasing patrols following a call to action from a former Hamas official who encouraged Palestinian supporters to commit acts of violence against Jews and Americans on Friday in what he called a "global day of jihad."

"The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of recent statements made calling for action as it relates to the conflict in the Middle East. We have no information of any specific or credible threats to the City of Los Angeles but we are continuing to assess the situation for any potential impact to our communities," the department said in a statement.

"We are closely monitoring these events and are coordinating with Federal, State, and local partners on information sharing. Remember if you see something, say something. Knowing and caring for your neighbors is the first line of safety," they added.

An LAPD officer told Los Angeles Magazine that they have been urging family and friends to stay home on Friday.

"Part of the problem is there is nothing specific. But there is a lot of concern being felt in the department," the officer said.

On Tuesday evening, Kaled Meshaal, the former leader of the Hamas terrorist organization, uploaded a video that called on Palestinian supporters throughout the world to stand alongside Hamas and partake in a "global day of jihad" on Friday, October 13, which was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

According to MEMRI, "Hamas issued a statement designating the upcoming Friday, October 13, 2023, as a day of general mobilization for the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' operations. In the statement, it urged Palestinians in the West Bank and within Israel to participate in large-scale rallies and confront Israeli soldiers at every opportunity."

"We declare next Friday, 'The Friday of the Al-Aqsa Flood,' as a day of general mobilization in our Arab and Islamic world and among the free people of the world. It is a day to rally support, offer aid, and participate actively. It is a day to expose the crimes of the occupation, isolate it, and foil all its aggressive schemes. It is a day to demonstrate our love for Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa. It is a day for sacrifice, heroism, and dedication, and to earn the honor of defending the first Qibla of Muslims, the third holiest mosque, and the ascension of the trusted Messenger," the statement reads.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Thursday from Tel Aviv that the number of Americans slain in Israel by Hamas terrorists has risen to 27. US officials have been working with Israel to secure the release of more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas, with Americans believed to be among them.

On Saturday, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel at daybreak and slaughtered more than one thousand civilian and military men, women, and children in the most heinous act of terrorism Israel has seen since 1973.

The United States is a long-standing ally to Israel and pledged support in response to Hamas' ruthless executions of innocent civilians. They informed the Jewish state that they stand ready to assist in their efforts against Hamas and other enemy entities that may use the terrorist attacks to try to ignite additional wars throughout the Middle East.