U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, has urged the Department of Justice to initiate a domestic terrorism inquiry into Unity of Fields.
This group, as stated on its website, actively promotes violence against Americans who support Israel and the police, with a particular emphasis on targeted acts. Rubio’s call for investigation highlights the concerning nature of this pro-Hamas organization.
Senator Marco Rubio has written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing his concerns over the escalating violence endorsed by organizations like Unity of Fields (formerly known as Palestine Action U.S.). Rubio specifically highlights their explicit support for Palestinian terrorism, along with their anti-Israel, anti-American, and antisemitic stance.
In the letter, Rubio urges Garland to initiate a domestic terrorism investigation into Unity of Fields and utilize all available resources to ensure that this group is held accountable within the bounds of the law.
Before August 2024, the organization went by the name Palestine Action U.S. and operated as a branch of the United Kingdom-based group, Palestine Action.
Elbit Systems, a company based in Fort Worth, Texas, specializes in providing aerospace and defense technology and weapons to the U.S. military and its treaty alliance partners.
Recognized for its commitment to ethical business practices, Elbit Systems was honored as one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2023 by the Ethisphere Institute.
Unity of Fields has broadened its focus from solely targeting Elbit to also include U.S. college campuses. According to the organization, they have expanded their efforts to address the pressing need for building capacity in direct action and militancy within the U.S. anti-imperialist movement.
They highlight a specific event on April 17, where students and young individuals launched numerous Gaza solidarity encampments across the country. These actions involved occupying and barricading buildings, establishing liberated zones, and successfully repelling police invasions.
The group openly opposes the police and makes it clear that the pro-Palestinian movement should also be a movement against law enforcement at Cal Poly.
The group’s social media account presents itself as a platform that opposes imperialism and aims to spread propaganda. They strive to bring the war closer to home and foster a global community that stands up against oppression.
According to Senator Rubio, domestic terrorism is defined under federal law as any activity that involves dangerous acts that violate criminal laws.
These acts aim to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policy through intimidation or coercion. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also considers a domestic terrorism plot as a combination of criminal activity and planning that reflect steps towards achieving a domestic ideological goal. Senator Rubio highlighted these definitions in his letter to Attorney General Garland.
Rubio stated that Unity of Fields should undergo investigation for potential violations of the law. He expressed concern that the organization’s actions and statements diverge from the government’s standards for addressing threats.
Rubio emphasized the need to prevent any further harm or actions that could jeopardize the United States or its citizens. By rejecting nonviolent approaches and embracing revolutionary and insurgent tactics, Unity of Fields contradicts the fundamental beliefs and rights that form the basis of the country’s constitutional system, putting citizens at risk.
