BREAKING: U.S. Department of Justice announces the establishment of "October 7th" task force

The task force will focus on bringing those responsible for the deadly assault to justice and combating the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the U.S. government's commitment to justice, saying, “The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win—and there will be consequences.” She also shared her personal experiences of meeting with families of U.S. citizens who were kidnapped by Hamas during the attack. Bondi’s establishment of JTF 10-7 on her first day in office highlights the high priority the Department places on addressing the atrocities committed that day, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, including 47 U.S. citizens, and the abduction of 250 more, including 8 U.S. citizens.

The primary mission of JTF 10-7 will be to target and prosecute the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack, the terrorists who murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians. Additionally, the task force will handle charges against Hamas leadership related to the attack and other terrorist activities. They will work to bring these criminals to the United States for prosecution. The task force will also investigate acts of terrorism, civil rights violations, and antisemitism linked to individuals and groups supporting Hamas and its affiliates.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism and terrorism, saying, "Antisemitic acts of terrorism—whether here or abroad—will never go unpunished." FBI Director Kash Patel also pledged the FBI’s full support for the task force, emphasizing their collaborative efforts with federal and international partners to combat terrorism.

The task force will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Department's National Security Division (NSD) and senior FBI officials. It will include a range of legal and investigative professionals, including trial attorneys, FBI agents, analysts, and forensic accountants. Additionally, the FBI will collaborate with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance to strengthen the task force’s investigative capabilities.

The creation of JTF 10-7 demonstrates the U.S. government’s determination to hold those responsible for the October 7 terrorist attack accountable and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. This effort builds on ongoing investigations and sends a clear message that terrorism and antisemitism will not be tolerated.