Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has joined a coalition of 21 states in filing a federal lawsuit to support victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel. The attack, carried out by Hamas, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 civilians, thousands of injuries, and hundreds of kidnappings.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It seeks to allow families of Americans killed, injured, or kidnapped by Hamas to pursue claims under the federal Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The brief contends that organizations in the United States which knowingly provide material support—financial, logistical, or ideological—to Hamas should be held accountable under both federal law and state statutes such as those in Missouri.

“We will continue to speak out and fight terrorism wherever it rears its head,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Our Office stands shoulder to shoulder with the victims of October 7, their families, and especially the hostages, and we will continue to pursue accountability for those who provide support, financial, logistical, or ideological, to terror organizations.”

According to the brief filed by the coalition, certain groups operating within the United States allegedly coordinated propaganda efforts with Hamas after the October 7 attack. These activities are described as serving as public relations for Hamas and are accused of materially assisting acts of terror that have harmed American citizens.

The multistate filing stresses that providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations is prohibited under both federal and state laws. The coalition maintains that civil lawsuits brought under the ATA are essential for ensuring victims can seek justice and that individuals or entities aiding terrorism are held responsible in U.S. courts.

“Missouri is proud to stand with our fellow states in calling for justice. The rule of law must prevail over hatred and violence, and we will continue to ensure that those who aid terrorists face the full force of the law,” Hanaway said.

Missouri joined this legal effort alongside attorneys general from Iowa, Virginia, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

The full Amicus brief on these actions is available online.