PORTLAND, OR -- FBI’s Portland Field Office is closely monitoring for local threats of violence, following the bombings in Israel and Gaza. "We just saw something pretty brutal, pretty barbaric happen halfway around the world," says Special Agent in Charge Kieran Ramsey, "And unfortunately, it does have consequences locally."

He says Israel - and everyone - was caught off guard by Hamas, leading to big questions here, "Are we being vigilant enough? Are we being forward-looking enough to make sure that we are not going to be surprised here, in the United States?" says Ramsey, "And, specifically for my team: Are we doing everything we can to make sure that we are not surprised in Oregon?" Those concerns escalated after a “call to action” by Hamas was echoed by Al Qaeda and Hezbollah, "It is a flashpoint for violent extremists to take action, for whatever reason they feel they want to take action. But it is used as a catalyst, unfortunately. And we really have to guard against that."

Ramsey says they’re working closely with faith communities, "Because the concern lies most especially with them; be it our Jewish communities that are very concerned about specifically being targeted, given all of the issues. And then also our Muslim neighbors and community leaders also being very afraid of being targeted for retaliatory purposes, of which are absolutely ridiculous when we think about - our Muslim neighbor have absolutely nothing to do with this."

And, they’re watching for misinformation and disinformation that can sow discord among some populations, "A violent extremist could be inspired to act, could be inspired to target our Jewish friends and neighbors in our community, or just anybody, given this call to action."

The FBI works with local law enforcement around the state, Ramsey says, to gather intelligence and share resources as needed. If you see or experience something with immediate safety concerns, call 911. If it's not a life-threatening emergency, you're encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or directly to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or the at TIPS.FBI.gov.