Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has opened a civil investigation into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), demanding records on their activities and possible connections to groups linked to terrorism. The probe was announced on the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people, including at least 46 Americans, according to a Senate resolution.
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The investigation tests a new Indiana law that allows the attorney general to examine organizations suspected of affiliation with foreign terrorist groups, with potential consequences including loss of state funding and privileges.
Indiana's move follows a wave of state and federal scrutiny of groups accused of supporting or abetting Hamas after the October 7 attack, which has prompted lawsuits, campus protests, and new legislation in several states.
Details of the Indiana Investigation
Rokita's office issued demands for documents and communications from CAIR and SJP, seeking information on their actions following the October 7 attack and any ties to individuals or groups with known terrorist connections. The attorney general said the investigation aims to determine whether the groups "may have given aid and support to Hamas in the wake of the October 7 attack."
"October 7th is Israelβs 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."
β Todd Rokita, Indiana Attorney General
The new Indiana statute, effective since July, authorizes the attorney general to launch a civil investigation if there is "reasonable cause" to believe an entity may be affiliated with a foreign terrorist organization. After the investigation, the attorney general issues a written determination, and the group has 30 days to respond before the governor makes a final decision on designation. If designated, the group loses access to state funds, contracts, and tax benefits.
CAIR and SJP Under Scrutiny
CAIR has officially condemned the October 7 attacks, but its National Executive Director Nihad Awad has made statements supporting "the people of Gaza" and their "right to self-defense," according to reporting by The Hill. CAIR's history includes allegations of ties to Hamas dating back to its founding, and it has faced criticism for its activism and response to critics of Islamic extremism.
National Students for Justice in Palestine has played a prominent role in campus protests against Israel since the attack. The group has been accused by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., of receiving funding from American Muslims for Palestine, an organization alleged to have ties to Hamas. Victims of the October 7 attack filed a lawsuit against SJP and others, alleging they aided Hamas, but the case was dismissed and the dismissal was upheld on appeal.
SJP has continued to organize "day of resistance" protests and openly supports a "Student Intifada," encouraging activism among Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students. Both CAIR and SJP did not respond to requests for comment.
Broader State and Federal Actions
Indiana's investigation comes as other states have taken similar steps. In late September, Florida designated CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Antifa as foreign terrorist organizations, cutting off state support and creating penalties for providing material support. Texas made a similar designation for CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, with Gov. Greg Abbott citing their stated goals.
At the federal level, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring Americans killed or taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to seek justice for victims and their families. The resolution, led by Sens. Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen, described the attack as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and called for continued remembrance and legal action.
The investigation in Indiana is the first step in a multi-stage process that could result in CAIR or SJP being formally designated as terrorist affiliates by the governor, currently Republican Mike Braun. The organizations have 30 days to respond once the attorney general issues a determination.
