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Coinciding with the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre on Wednesday, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced the launch of investigations of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) over potential ties with foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas.
In civil investigative demands issued to CAIR and SJP, Rokita asked the groups to produce documents and communications about activities they engaged in after October 7th.
The move marked the start of a process that could ultimately end with CAIR and SJP being formally assigned “affiliate of a foreign terrorist organization” status by the governor, denying them state funds, contracts, tax benefits, and other privileges.
“Through unedited body-camera and security-camera footage from that horrible day, I have seen Hamas murdering unarmed civilians, including children, in their homes and in the street, and while visiting Israel I have seen the aftermath firsthand,” Rokita stated. “October 7th is Israel’s 9/11, and just as most of the world stood with us on that day and afterward, the majority of my fellow Hoosiers stand with Israel and against the bigoted barbarity directed at Jews that still exists.”
“As attorney general, I am investigating organizations that may have given aid and support to Hamas in the wake of the October 7 attack,” he added. “I will follow the evidence and take all action I can to expose bigots and make clear that terrorist supporters are not welcome in the great Hoosier state.”
Rokita’s action followed the passage by the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year of SB 256 — a bill aimed at creating greater transparency surrounding foreign influence in the state.
Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) President of U.S. Affairs Alyza D. Lewin welcomed Rokita’s announcement, stating, “We commend Attorney General Rokita for investigating groups like CAIR and SJP to determine if they provided aid and support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, in the aftermath of the barbaric October 7th massacre. Key legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year established the process for the AG to investigate and take action against affiliates of foreign terrorist organizations. Investigations like these are vital for U.S. national security.”
“The timing of Attorney General Rokita’s announcement today underscores an essential recognition that the same radical ideology and violent extremism responsible for the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust also threatens the freedom and safety of all Americans,” Lewin added. “If Indiana’s example inspires similar state-action across the country, America will be safer for it.”
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