Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Tuesday that a recently thwarted drone attack plot targeting her and other pro-Israel figures at Sunday's UFC event at the White House underscores the growing threat posed by individuals who harbor "such vitriol in their hearts" toward supporters of Israel.
Appearing on "Bianca Across the Nation," Blackburn reacted to revelations that suspect Tyson Proper allegedly identified her as a target because she had "taken money from Israel" and supported the Jewish state.
The senator said the development was "so chilling for all Americans."
"You have people that have such vitriol in their hearts for individuals that support the nation of Israel and stand with Israel," Blackburn said.
She defended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), noting that "the first word in AIPAC is America," and describing its supporters as "Jewish Americans" and "many Christian Americans" who back policies that strengthen Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Blackburn said she learned Saturday that she had been named in a document connected to the investigation and was informed authorities had already "thwarted the planned attack."
"We were given a heads-up on Saturday that we had been named in a document," she said. "We did not have any further detail. We went anyway," she said.
The senator, who attended the America 250 celebration with her grandson, said the plot was particularly troubling because of the potential danger posed to innocent bystanders.
"One of the things that concerns me is the harm that it does to individuals that are around us and individuals that are attending public events or are coming to meet us," she said.
Blackburn praised federal law enforcement for disrupting the alleged scheme, saying Americans should be grateful that agencies are "working to keep the American people safe."
"Director [Kash] Patel and the FBI did a phenomenal job of breaking apart this plot, apprehending the ringleader and now those that were supporting the ringleader," she said. "I look forward to the prosecutions taking place."
The Tennessee Republican also discussed efforts to stabilize the Middle East, warning that any agreement involving Iran will require constant scrutiny.
"We have to make certain they stop funding terrorism and stop killing Americans and injuring Americans," Blackburn said. "Policing this, enforcing it, is going to be a 24-7, 365-ordeal because the Iranians have a history of not being true to their word."
Asked for her message to Americans attending major public events, including upcoming World Cup activities, Blackburn urged vigilance.
"If you see something, say something," she said. "Don't be shy about doing that."
She added that Americans should remain confident in law enforcement's efforts to prevent future attacks and protect the public.
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