As former soldiers, military officers, national security officials, and intelligence officers, we have proudly dedicated our careers to serving our country and protecting our fellow Americans in diverse roles across the U.S. Government. Throughout our collective years of service, we have worked under administrations of both political parties, fulfilling responsibilities as appointed officials and career professionals. Our extensive experience spans the realms of national security, intelligence, military, and law enforcement, reflecting decades of unwavering commitment to safeguarding our Homeland, both at home and abroad.
Combined we have more than 1200 years of cumulative experience, having served in leadership positions in throughout the US Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense. Our expertise encompasses the strategic use of technology, intelligence, human resources, and operational assets to protect the nation.
We are deeply alarmed by the rising tide of open and brazen protests against Jews and Jewish communities over the past year—acts that have reached a scale unseen since World War II. These demonstrations have fostered an environment of heightened vulnerability for Jewish communities across the United States.
History teaches us that terrorist organizations, including those that inspire groups like Hamas, often select significant dates and anniversaries as opportune moments for attacks, seeking to amplify their visibility and influence among their followers. The upcoming one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks by Hamas, occurring between the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, represents precisely the kind of symbolic timing that such groups are likely to exploit. We strongly urge Jewish communities across the United States to remain vigilant and aware of potential threats during this period, particularly from October 2nd to October 12th.
However, this call for heightened awareness extends beyond the Jewish community to all Americans. Recent activities by international criminal organizations and coordinated actions by criminal groups involving illegal immigrants within our borders signify a troubling escalation of violence and a blatant disregard for U.S. laws and the American way of life. Given the confirmed connections between Transnational Criminal Organizations—including cartels and gangs—and Islamic terrorism, coupled with the increasing hostility of both state and non-state actors towards the United States, this period of vigilance should extend beyond the general elections and well into the inauguration day in January 2025.
There have already been arrests of suspected terrorist planning attacks on high profile locations. There are other non-specific threats and enough reporting to indicate a widespread likelihood that enemies of the Jewish people will attempt activities to gain notoriety on 7 October, inside the United States, and likely around the world.
Our goal is not to alarm or scare anyone. Our objective is to ask the Jewish community nationwide to exercise an even larger sense of understanding of your surroundings. Be proactive and increase the preparations that are already being made. There are many actions that can be taken to decrease the vulnerability of Jewish communities throughout the United States. Awareness and vigilance are the first steps. Increased physical security on the 7th of October is not the only thing that can be done.
- Heightened Situational Awareness: Stay informed about your surroundings, particularly during this sensitive time period. Engage with local law enforcement to understand current threats and risks specific to your area.
- Coordination with Law Enforcement: Contact your local police departments and security officials to ensure they are fully aware of any potential threats to your community. Validate that law enforcement is prepared, and if necessary, test response times for emergency personnel.
- Review and Rehearse Emergency Procedures: If your community has internal emergency procedures, now is the time to review and rehearse them. Make sure everyone is familiar with evacuation plans, communication protocols, and steps to take in the event of an incident.
- Enhancing Physical Security: Consider increasing security measures, especially around October 7th. This could include additional personnel, surveillance, or barriers at key community centers, synagogues, and schools. Consult with security professionals if needed.
- Consultation with Experts: There are numerous strategies and resources available to help minimize vulnerability. We encourage you to reach out to local experts or contact any of the undersigned for guidance on how to fortify your community against potential threats.
Now is the time to stand together and ensure that our communities are well-prepared. We have spent our careers defending this nation, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that protect our fellow citizens. We encourage you to take these threats seriously and to act with the appropriate level of caution during this sensitive time.
Be prepared. Consult local experts in your communities or reach out to the undersigned for advice.
Our commitment to the safety and security of all communities is unwavering, and we stand ready to assist with any advice or support that may be needed during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
- The Executive Board of the Special Operations Association of America
- Mario Duarte, President & CEO at Project DYNAMO, Co-Founder & CEO at DH Global Strategy
- Mike Dinesman, Chief of Operations, Project DYNAMO
- Greg Carpenter, Chief Security Officer, KnowledgeBridge International
- Humberto Hernandez: President and Cofounder DH Global Strategy Former US National Security Official
- Doug Livermore, Senior Vice President, Solution Engineering Group, Director of Special Programs for the Dept. of the Navy, and Director of External Communications for the National Board of the Special Forces Association
- Ron Johnson, former US Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador, Colonel (ret) US Army Special Forces, Senior Operations and Paramilitary Officer, CIA.
- John Holiday, Former Director of Homeland Security for Kentucky
- Mark V. Mancuso: Former Public Safety Deputy Director – Houston Airport System, Houston Police Department Captain (ret)
- Stanley A. Bunner, Jr., PLLC, Captain, US Navy Reserve
- Shefield Ford, retired Special Forces Officer, and President and CEO, Raven Advisory and Gryphon Group
- John “PK” Kelley, former U.S. Army Ranger from 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and CEO, Orange Diamond Consulting
- Barry Hess, COO and Vice President of Engineering, KnowledgeBridge International
- Pete Crittenden, former Special Forces Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Safety and Security Consultant
- Pete Tingstom, retired Special Operations Aviator, and Vice President, National Board of the Special Forces Association
- Mike Hurst, Treasurer, National Board of the Special Forces Association
- Marco A. Hernandez: Former Customs and Border Protection Commander
- Chris Wells, Colonel, US Army Special Forces (ret) and CEO of the GBNT Group
- Tony Cross, Master Sergeant, US Army Special Forces (ret) and Director of Business Development, KnowledgeBridge International.
- William Edwards, Data Scientist and RF Researcher
- Joel Maldonado: Former US Customs and Border Protection Supervisor.
