FBI Says It Thwarted ‘Attempted Attack’ on AIPAC in Florida
Florida (Quds News Network)- The FBI thwarted a potential attack against the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in South Florida, according to court documents obtained by CBS News.
Forrest Kendall Pemberton, a Gainesville, Florida resident, faces federal charges after allegedly scouting AIPAC’s offices in Plantation, Florida, on December 22 and 23. Authorities say Pemberton returned days later armed with concealed weapons, intending to harm or intimidate employees.
Prosecutors accuse Pemberton of planning to “kill, injure, or intimidate” AIPAC members due to frustration with the Zionist group’s political influence.
Surveillance and Arrest
Authorities tracked Pemberton to a hotel near AIPAC’s office on December 22. On December 25, law enforcement intercepted him in a shared ride in Tallahassee.
Court records reveal Pemberton had left a note expressing what it described as anti-authority sentiments and a desire to “stoke the flames.”
During an FBI interview, Pemberton admitted carrying firearms with criminal intent but stressed he ultimately decided not to act.
A spokesperson for AIPAC expressed gratitude to the FBI for preventing the alleged possible attack, stating: “We take these threats seriously and will not be deterred in our mission to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations. We deeply appreciate the FBI’s efforts.”
Pemberton remains in custody pending a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday in Gainesville.
Deep Influence of AIPAC in US Politics
AIPAC’s influence in US politics has drawn widespread criticism, particularly amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Zionist lobby group has been instrumental in securing military aid for Israel, which it describes as “vital security assistance to Israel.” Critics argue that this aid makes the US complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
In early November, AIPAC targeted lawmakers who opposed increased aid to Israel or highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza. The group’s methods aim to silence anti-Israel voices, leveraging substantial financial resources to back pro-Israel candidates and discredit critics. AIPAC has historically operated to secure unwavering US support for Israel, a role it first assumed after the Qibya massacre in the 1950s.
Analysts argue that AIPAC’s deep influence in the US Congress is unparalleled, enabling it to influence policymaking at the highest levels. Walter Hixson, a historian and author, describes AIPAC as “not only the most powerful lobby representing a foreign country; it’s one of the most powerful lobbies, period.” Its actions during elections, as highlighted in recent reports, showcase the group’s capacity to shape US politics, often at the expense of humanitarian consideration.
