In a gripping revelation on ABC News’ “This Week,” Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina, voiced deep concerns over the heightened threat of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Graham’s apprehension, expressed during an interview with ABC News chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas, underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating risk.
“I’ve never been more concerned about a terrorist attack on our homeland,” emphasized Senator Graham, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The root of Graham’s worry lies in the growing menace to U.S. forces, particularly through identified proxy attacks supported by Iran. This collaboration has intensified amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with Iran emerging as a key ally to the latter.
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Graham highlighted the global nature of the threat, stating, “Jihadist groups worldwide are calling on their members to attack America as payback for us helping Israel. So the threat levels are at an all-time high.”
The recent Hamas attack on October 7th further fueled Graham’s concerns, prompting him to stress the imperative of securing the nation’s borders urgently. “The Oct. 7th Hamas attack put gasoline on a fire, and we need to get our border secure and up our game,” Graham asserted, emphasizing the interconnectedness of international events and their potential repercussions on U.S. security.
Regarding the ongoing crisis at the southern border, Senator Graham delved into the political dynamics surrounding President Joe Biden’s proposed funding. While Biden seeks comprehensive support for the southern border, including aid for Israel and Ukraine, House Republicans advocate for a separation of Ukraine funding, prioritizing additional border security reforms.
“We have to get it done. The [refugee] asylum fixes are going pretty well,” acknowledged Graham. However, he highlighted a key negotiation point—parole. Graham expressed reservations about the Biden administration’s use of immigration parole authority, allowing hundreds of thousands into the country without visas over the past two years. “This administration does not want to let go of the tool they’re abusing,” he stated.
Beyond border concerns, Senator Graham underscored the importance of maintaining robust funding for critical agencies like the FBI and the Department of Justice. He stressed the need to avoid budget cuts in the upcoming talks, citing the dual challenges of domestic terrorism and jihadist-inspired attacks reaching unprecedented levels.
“We’re under siege at home and abroad. Domestic terrorism does worry me, but jihadist-inspired terrorist attacks are at an all-time high. They want to punish us for helping Israel,” Graham cautioned, firmly advocating against compromising the nation’s security apparatus. “So now’s not the time to go cheap on the FBI or the Department of Defense,” affirmed the Republican Senator.
