Connecticut House Delegation Calls for Action to Combat ‘Telephone Terrorism’ after Bomb Threats against Jewish Community Centers

WASHINGTON, DC (February 22, 2017) — U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) today joined with a bipartisan group of 150 House colleagues in calling for swift action by federal law enforcement agencies to address the wave of anonymous telephone bomb threats made against Jewish community centers (JCCs) across the country.

"We urge the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to swiftly assess the situation and to advise Congress on what specific steps are being taken, or will be taken, to deter such ‘telephone terrorism,' to identify and prosecute the perpetrators for violations of federal criminal laws, and to enable JCCs to enhance security measures such as physical barriers and guards, in the event that an individual seeks to act upon these threats," the lawmakers wrote.

"These phone calls have an immediate emotional impact, of course, but they also have an economic impact," the lawmakers wrote. "JCCs provide a range of educational and community services for Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and families, with a particular focus on children and youth. The individuals who make these calls no doubt recognize that bomb threats, particularly when repeated, can compromise and even destroy a JCC's financial future."

The letter, which was spearheaded by Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) and Rep. Joseph Crowley (NY-14), was addressed to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and FBI Director James B. Comey. One hundred fifty-five Democrats and Republicans signed the letter.

In January, telephone bomb threats were made against Jewish community centers in New Haven, West Hartford, and Woodbridge, CT. In total, 54 Jewish community centers have reported receiving telephone bomb threats in 2017.

The full letter is available here.