A task force devoted to the prosecution of October 7 Massacre perpetrators and supporters was established by the US Attorney-General’s Office, according to a memorandum issued by Attorney-General Pam Bondi.
The Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7) will pursue criminal charges, including for capital crimes, against the perpetrators of the Hamas-led massacre who murdered 47 US citizens and abducted eight American nationals, among over 1,200 slain and 251 hostages.
Wednesday’s initiative will seek the arrest and extradition of Hamas National Relations Abroad head Ali Baraka and acting Hamas Political Bureau chair Khaled Mashaal. The move is based on an FBI criminal complaint against Hamas leadership, which also leveled charges against slain Hamas officials Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammad Deif, and Marwan Issa.
The memorandum said investigations would include inquiries into the United Nations Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Task force to investigate and prosecute Hamas funders
The task force aims to investigate and prosecute US-based Hamas funders, as well as cooperate with the Defense Department, Treasury Department, and Israeli government for other measures against terrorist organizations responsible for the October 7 attack.According to the memorandum, the Office of International Affairs preapproval measures for administrative subpoenas against foreign banks were suspended under the treasury secretary’s powers.American Hamas supporters will also be scrutinized by the task force. The JTF 10-7 is set to investigate and prosecute “acts of terrorism, antisemitic civil rights violations, and other federal crimes committed by Hamas supporters in the United States, including on college campuses.”According to Bondi’s memorandum, the JTF 10-7 will also provide services to October 7 victims and coordinate with other organizations on the return of those held in Hamas captivity.The Office of Legislative Affairs is advocating for amendments to statutes regarding offenses not committed in any district and fines, penalties, and forfeiture to allow their prosecution in any district rather than just the District of Columbia. The memorandum says this will “expand options for bringing prosecutions in districts where investigations occur or particular expertise exists.”The Deputy Attorney-General’s Office will supervise the JTF 10-7, manage coordination with other federal bodies, and lead engagement with US Attorney’s Offices.The Justice Department’s National Security Division is set to provide attorneys and supervisors to lead investigations, but local US Attorney’s Offices will be responsible for prosecutions within their districts. The FBI is going to staff the new task force with relevant agents, analysts, and linguists.