In a recent interview, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco revealed that the Justice Department is witnessing a concerning surge in threats directed towards public officials in the United States. Monaco stated that on a weekly basis, and sometimes even more frequently, she is receiving reports regarding threats to public officials, prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and judges.

During the pre-taped interview with ABC's "This Week," Monaco emphasized the severity of the situation by sharing specific instances of threats received just within the past week. While not disclosing the names of the targets, Monaco mentioned cases involving threats to kill FBI agents, a Supreme Court justice, and three presidential candidates.

One factor contributing to the rise in threats, according to Monaco, is the changing landscape of the source of these threats. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the focus of the United States' security apparatus was primarily on plots from foreign terrorist organizations. However, the current concern lies with individuals or small groups who have been radicalized online, either by domestic issues or foreign organizations.

Monaco also highlighted the increased threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab Americans in the aftermath of the Hamas-led attack on October 7. Since that date, the FBI has received over 1,800 reports of threats or related leads connected to the conflict in Israel and Gaza. However, Monaco reassured that many of these instances are resolved without incident.

The interview also touched upon the impact of former President Donald Trump's rhetoric, which Monaco acknowledged as unhelpful. When asked about Trump's comments referring to DOJ officials as "thugs," she made it clear that such remarks do not contribute positively to the situation.

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed deep concern about the potential for a terrorist attack on the United States, particularly due to the ongoing support for Israel's response to the attacks. Graham emphasized the calls from jihadist groups around the world, urging their members to target America as revenge for its support of Israel.

The rise in threats to public officials, combined with the targeting of specific communities and the shifting landscape of radicalization, present significant challenges for the Justice Department and law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety and protecting individuals in positions of authority. The department will likely need to implement comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate these threats in the coming months.