Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a coalition of 22 states in filing a friend-of-the-court brief. This brief urges a federal court to deny requests to dismiss a lawsuit brought by survivors and family members of those killed during Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attack. The lawsuit, filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeks to hold AJP Educational Foundation Inc., also known as American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), and the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) accountable for allegedly providing material support to Hamas.

“These groups said the day after the terrorist attack that they were part of a unified revolt under Hamas’s command, and they need to be held accountable,” Attorney General Wilson stated. “Hamas is terrorism with a capital T. The Anti-Terrorism Act is the most effective way for survivors and victims’ families to try to get compensation from these groups, so the Court should deny the request to dismiss these claims.”

The ATA allows victims of international terrorism to seek monetary damages from those who provide material support to terrorist organizations. In states like Virginia, where avenues for seeking damages are limited, the ATA serves as an essential tool for plaintiffs seeking compensation.

The lawsuit claims that AMP’s material support for Hamas has continued over decades through its predecessor organizations such as the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) and the Islamic Association of Palestine (IAP). These organizations' board members were previously convicted of providing millions of dollars in material support to Hamas. Leaders from HLF and IAP formed AMP after their original organizations dissolved. The lawsuit alleges that AMP and NSJP have not ceased these activities but have instead continued propaganda and recruitment efforts on behalf of Hamas.

Hamas’s charter calls for supporters to engage in communication and propaganda efforts on its behalf. Following the October 7 attack, Hamas leadership encouraged international supporters to rally, with NSJP responding by releasing a “Day of Resistance Toolkit.” This toolkit allegedly instructs members on how to continue supporting Hamas.

In Virginia, where AMP is based, Attorney General Jason Miyares has launched an investigation into potential state law violations, including allegations that AMP used funds to support terrorist organizations.

Attorney General Wilson's participation in this brief is alongside other state attorneys general led by Virginia Attorney General Miyares and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. The coalition includes representatives from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

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