Schumer Reacts to FCC Decision to Grant Special Waiver to Jewish Community Centers Under Threat
Press Release
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced, after his push earlier this week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will grant a temporary emergency waiver to all Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) that have been targeted as part of the recent wave of bomb threats, including centers in New York.
"I applaud the FCC's decision to grant a special waiver to targeted JCCs, which will help us track down and identify perpetrators making threatening calls that frighten communities and waste the precious resources of local law enforcement. Already, one suspect has been taken into custody and I am hopeful today's decision will help catch and deter any future copycats. All communities and entities targeted by intimidation and fear deserve access to all of the tools needed to ensure these criminals are brought to justice," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "I stand united with the members of the Jewish community in Westchester, on Long Island, in Staten Island -- and with every community across America targeted by hate -- against fear, intolerance and intimidation."
Since the beginning of 2017, there have been at least 69 incidents targeting 54 JCCs in 27 states. Earlier this week, over the course of just one day, bomb threats were simultaneously made to JCCs in 11 states across the country, including at JCCs in Westchester, Long Island and Staten Island. In his letter to the FCC, Schumer said these centers need valuable intel to help stop the threats and thwart these phony calls that have a real economic and psychic impact.
In his original letter, Schumer pointed to a "swatting' threat directed at the Middletown School District last year. Following the threat, former FCC Chairman Wheeler worked with the Senator's office to pass a special waiver allowing the District to access caller information of the individuals placing the threats. Schumer said the FCC should allow targeted JCCs to trace call information, just as the FCC did for the Middletown School District, in order to allow the calls to be properly investigated.
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