FBI Warns of Potential Violence in U.S. Over Anti-Muslim Film

(Newsroom America) -- The FBI is warning of potential violence in the U.S. by extremists who may seek to "exploit anger" over an anti-Muslim film mocking the Prophet Mohammed.

"First responders should remain aware of the potential for spontaneous large crowds and protests that could overwhelm resources and should be vigilant for possible efforts to encourage peaceful protesters to commit acts of violence," said a Joint Intelligence Bulletin issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

The warning went onto say that "the risk of violence could increase both at home and abroad as the film continues to gain attention."

Authorities urged "faith-based organizations to promptly report suspicious activities that could indicate pre-operational plotting against Jewish, Coptic, Islamic, or any other faith-based communities."

The bulletin did not mention any specific threat information, but warned that "violent extremist groups in the United States could exploit anger over the film to advance their recruitment efforts."

The warning noted that the attacks against U.S. embassies in Cairo and Benghazi, Libya, where four Americans were killed this week, "mirror past incidents prompted by events perceived as anti-Islamic, which spurred sudden violence against U.S. interests overseas."

The bulletin comes as new violence erupted at U.S. consulates in Egypt and Yemen. The State Department said it 50 overseas missions have been given additional security and warned U.S. citizens in their area to be "extra vigilant."

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