WASHINGTON — Local and federal law enforcement agencies across the country are stepping up their patrols and increasing their presence amid a possible threat Friday.
Leaders are concerned about a possible "Day of Rage" called by Hamas, the militant group responsible for Saturday's bombing of Israel.
In Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department will have increased visibility around the District and at places of worship out of an abundance of caution. MPD says it has been in contact with multiple community partners throughout the week and will continue to remain in contact with them in order to help keep the community safe.
"We urge our community to remain vigilant and help our community stay safe," says MPD.
The police department added that if you see something, say something. Anyone looking to report suspicious activity in the District can call MPD's Command Information Center at 202-727-9099, text 50411 or report online at iwatchdc.org.
The United States Capitol Police will also enhance security just in case. Capitol Police say even though there are no specific threats toward Congress, they aren't taking any chances.
“We are enhancing security throughout the Capitol Complex. Some of what we are doing will be visible, but for safety reasons, we cannot provide the public details about all of the resources that we are putting into protecting Congress. Our dedicated teams are working around the clock to coordinate with our law enforcement and intelligence partners across the country to keep everyone safe.”
These agencies represent just a few across the country that are upping their security presence in response to the possible day of rage called by Hamas.
"The reality is this is a moment that we're in and I really want to encourage people of good conscience to stand with Israel and stand with the civilians. We really need to be standing up to terrorism. This is hate. This is pure evil," said Meredith Weisel, the Regional Director for the ADL Washington, D.C. Region.
She told WUSA9 Thursday night that there were no known specific credible threats against any Jewish institutions.
A 'Stand with Israel' rally is planned for Friday afternoon.
"We want to make sure people are paying attention to their surroundings. Avoiding confrontation with any counter-protestors to any events or with people who are distributing harmful or hateful propaganda," she said.
Weisel stressed that this doesn't mean people should not attend Friday's rally.
"We want people to still be able to be out and about and being who they are so the rally, we're still going to be there," said Weisel.
Thursday night two vigils were held. One at the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia in Fairfax, and the other at the Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac.
"I just don't have any words. I just couldn't comprehend the devastation," said Michelle Epstein who attended the vigil in Potomac.
They prayed and sang together as they waved Israeli flags. They called for unity and prayed for strength.
Senior Rabbi David Kalender told WUSA9 that his daughter and several other family members live in Israel.
"I cry a lot," he said.
He says everyone has to stand together in order to get through this.
"We are one nation, one beating heart, one family. The Jewish people are a people. We're not just a religion," said Rabbi Kalender.
Others shared that they want peace and that this is not about dividing Israelis and Palestinians.
"This is not a Pro Israel or Pro Palestine war it's about fighting Hamas," said Dean Bagdadi who is with the JCC of Northern Virginia.
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