Several prominent Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, have posted online warnings about unverified, potential “jihadi sleeper cells” they claim could be activated in response to Israel’s attacks on Iran.
There is no evidence the American public is at risk.
Newsweek has reached out to the FBI and the State Department for comment via email on Friday.
Why It Matters
Israel launched strikes across multiple locations in Iran on Thursday, announcing the start of Operation Rising Lion—an effort it said was aimed at preempting a reportedly planned Iranian attack and disrupting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s nuclear program has long been a focal point of U.S. and Israeli concern, with Tehran insisting its efforts are solely for energy purposes.
“Sleeper cells” refer to covert terrorist operatives who remain inactive until activated—a concept that gained heightened attention following the September 11 attacks. In the aftermath, Islamophobia and xenophobia surged, with people from Iran and other countries in the region often stereotyped and wrongly associated with terrorism despite no evidence of wrongdoing or malicious activity.
The MAGA movement, rooted in “America First” ideology, frequently raises alarm over immigration and national security. Alarmist information on social media often circulates quickly.
What To Know
Following Israeli air strikes on Iran that killed several top officials and struck a main uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, many MAGA voices have warned about potential repercussions stateside.
Loomer, a conservative personality and supporter of President Donald Trump, warned Americans about going out in public, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “Be very careful today and this weekend in American cities and tourist locations, especially if you are going to be in DC.”
Her comments are in reference to the expected celebrations and protests in the capital on Saturday for President Donald Trump‘s 79th birthday, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and hundreds of “No Kings” demonstrations.
Plans for the parade called for some 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters to follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.
“Iran has many sleeper cells in the US,” Loomer wrote. “Iranian proxies from HAMAS and Hezbollah will likely retaliate on US soil to kill Americans in acts of Islamic terror as a form of retaliation to the Israeli air strikes.”
There is no public evidence to back her claims.
She concluded her post, without citing any data, by saying: “There are millions of jihadi sleeper cells in our country thanks to the Democrats open border polices.”
Charlie Kirk, the conservative founder and president of Turning Point USA, added a similar sentiment in a Friday post, writing: “Keep your head on a swivel. Biden let millions of people into America. Iran might activate some sleeper cells against Americans.”
He concluded his post by calling for Americans to prepare by taking up guns, writing: “Stay armed.”
The U.S. intelligence committee’s annual threat assessment warns that “Iran also will continue to directly threaten U.S. persons globally and remains committed to its decade-long effort to develop surrogate networks inside the United States.” However, unlike the social media warnings, the assessment said: “Iran seeks to target former and current U.S. officials it believes were involved in the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-Qods Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.”
The United States designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
What People Are Saying
Jack Posobiec, conservative activist, on X on Thursday night: “BREAKING: FBI REPORTEDLY MOBILIZING COUNTER-TERRORISM TASK FORCES ON ALERT STATUS FOR POTENTIAL IRAN SLEEPER CELL ACTIVITY”
Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker who campaigns against DEI policies, on X on Friday: “There’s a very real risk of Iranian sleeper cells attacking the US on our soil. I would avoid taking your family to large gatherings at the moment out of an abundance of caution until things settle down. Security must be increased all around.”
Graham Allen, who works at the Department of Defense, on X: “STAY HOME TOMORROW!!! Iran has sleeper cells everywhere! DO NOT GO TO “no kings day” PROTEST FOR CONTENT!! DO NOT GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY!”
What Happens Next
Thousands of attendees are expected to attend the military parade in Washington, D.C.
Israel has said its strikes against Iran will continue for days. Iranian counterattacks are expected.
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