• Heightened Terror Threats Prompt Increased Security Measures Nationwide
    Mar 31 2025
    In the past 48 hours, the United States has remained on high alert due to ongoing and evolving terrorist threats, both domestic and foreign.

    Federal authorities have heightened security measures in the nation's capital, particularly in anticipation of several major events, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President-elect Trump. This increased security is driven by an abundance of caution, even though there is no specific known threat at this time[3].

    The recent deadly truck ramming attack in New Orleans, where an ISIS flag was found in the vehicle, has underscored the rising threat of terrorism. The FBI has been warning of an increase in terrorist threats, especially from homegrown violent extremists inspired by jihadist ideologies. Since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, the threat level has escalated significantly, with various terrorist groups calling for or threatening attacks on U.S. soil and against U.S. interests abroad[2][3].

    Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) continue to pose a significant threat. These individuals, often motivated by anti-government, racial, or gender-related grievances, have conducted several attacks in the homeland over the past year. Between September 2023 and July 2024, DVEs carried out at least four attacks, resulting in one death, and law enforcement disrupted at least seven additional DVE plots. These attacks and plots frequently involve lone offenders or small groups using simple tactics with minimal technical knowledge or preoperational planning[1].

    Critical infrastructure remains a prime target for these violent extremists. There have been calls for and instances of physical attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure, including electric grid substations and transformers. Recent unattributed shootings against transformers and electricity infrastructure near Lansing, Michigan, highlight the ongoing risk. Additionally, foreign terrorist organizations like al-Qa‘ida and ISIS have renewed calls for attacks against diplomatic facilities, the transportation sector, and civil aviation following the Israel-HAMAS conflict[1].

    The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones over sensitive critical infrastructure sites is another concern. While there is currently no evidence that violent extremists are using drones for attack planning, there have been instances where DVEs and foreign terrorist organizations have considered using UAS for intelligence collection, dropping explosives, and disrupting airport operations[1].

    In summary, the U.S. is facing a heightened terrorist threat environment, with both domestic and foreign actors posing significant risks. The recent attacks and ongoing security alerts underscore the need for continued vigilance and robust counterterrorism measures to protect the homeland.
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    3 mins
  • Evolving Terrorist Threats Persist in the U.S., Warn Homeland Security Experts
    Mar 26 2025
    In the latest assessments and updates regarding terrorist threats in the United States, several key points have emerged that highlight the ongoing and evolving nature of these threats.

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent Homeland Threat Assessment for 2025 underscores that the terrorism threat environment in the United States is expected to remain high. This heightened threat is attributed to several factors, including violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments and the 2024 election cycle. Domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) continue to pose a significant threat, often motivated by a mix of racial, religious, gender, or anti-government grievances, as well as conspiracy theories and personal factors[1].

    The assessment also notes that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-HAMAS conflict, has galvanized violent actors and led to increased calls for lone offender attacks against critical infrastructure, including U.S. government buildings and foreign embassies. Groups like al-Qa‘ida and its affiliates have renewed these calls, further exacerbating the threat landscape[1].

    In addition to these domestic and foreign extremist threats, the DHS has emphasized the role of adversarial states in malignly influencing U.S. audiences and suppressing critical voices. These state actors are intent on sowing distrust in U.S. institutions and creating division within communities, with some efforts expected to intensify during the 2024 election cycle[1].

    The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) bulletins have consistently warned of the persistent and lethal threat posed by lone offenders and small groups motivated by various ideological beliefs and personal grievances. These threats include potential violence targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions, the LGBTQIA+ community, schools, racial and ethnic minorities, and government facilities and personnel[2].

    Recent analyses by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicate that while the frequency and lethality of jihadist attacks in the United States have decreased since the territorial defeat of the Islamic State in 2019, these attacks remain a serious threat. The CSIS notes that international terrorist organizations have inspired, rather than directed, most jihadist terrorism in the U.S., and that U.S. counterterrorist efforts have likely reduced the number of plots and attacks[3].

    The potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria, should U.S. forces withdraw, is another critical concern. Experts warn that without U.S. presence, ISIS could rapidly reconstitute and regain the ability to plan and conduct attacks in the West. The current U.S. military presence in Syria has been crucial in containing ISIS and preventing it from conducting attacks in the West[5].

    In summary, the terrorist threat landscape in the United States remains complex and multifaceted, with ongoing threats from domestic and foreign violent extremists, adversarial state actors, and the potential resurgence of groups like ISIS. The DHS and other agencies continue to work closely with law enforcement and community partners to identify, prevent, and respond to these threats, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in maintaining national security.
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    4 mins
  • Hospitals on High Alert: US Faces Evolving Terrorist Threats
    Mar 22 2025
    In the past 48 hours, the United States has been alerted to several significant terrorist threats, highlighting the ongoing and evolving nature of security risks within the country.

    On March 18, 2025, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health-ISAC) issued a joint threat bulletin warning U.S. hospitals about a potential coordinated multi-city terrorist attack. The alert was triggered by a social media post suggesting that ISIS-K, a division of the Islamic State, is planning advanced-stage attacks on hospitals across multiple mid-tier U.S. cities. These attacks are reportedly to involve Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) followed by armed assaults and hostage scenarios. The AHA and Health-ISAC, although unable to corroborate or discount the credibility of the threat, have advised hospital security teams to review their emergency management plans, raise staff awareness, and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. This warning underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, which are often viewed as soft targets by terrorist groups[4].

    This alert comes against the backdrop of a broader terrorist threat landscape outlined in the Homeland Threat Assessment 2025 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The assessment indicates that the terrorism threat environment in the United States will remain high over the next year, driven by factors such as violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments, the enduring intent of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) to conduct or inspire attacks, and the galvanizing effect of successful terrorist attacks abroad. Specifically, the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict and the upcoming 2024 U.S. election cycle are expected to exacerbate these threats. Domestic violent extremists (DVEs), motivated by various ideologies including anti-government, racial, and gender-related grievances, are also expected to continue posing a significant threat[2].

    Additionally, the assessment highlights that DVEs and other criminal actors are likely to target U.S. critical infrastructure, including government buildings and foreign embassies, in response to flashpoint events. The recent terrorist attack by HAMAS against Israel and subsequent Israeli operations in Gaza have prompted renewed calls from groups like al-Qa‘ida and ISIS for lone offender attacks against such targets[2].

    These threats are further complicated by the evolving nature of terrorist financing and the use of social media for radicalization. The 2024 National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment notes that individuals inspired by AQ, ISIS, or DVE ideologies can be radicalized online and carry out deadly attacks with limited warning, posing a significant challenge to U.S. security[3].

    In response to these threats, the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) continues to play a crucial role in communicating timely and detailed information to the American public. The system, which replaced the color-coded alerts of the Homeland Security Advisory System in 2011, ensures that all Americans are aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attacks and know what actions to take[1].

    As the U.S. remains vigilant against these threats, the coordination between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and critical infrastructure sectors such as healthcare is crucial for mitigating potential attacks and ensuring public safety.
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    4 mins
  • Evolving Terrorism Threat: DHS Warns of Increasing Risks Ahead of 2024 Elections
    Mar 19 2025
    In the latest assessments and updates on terrorist threats in the United States, several key points have emerged that highlight the ongoing and evolving nature of these dangers.

    According to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Homeland Threat Assessment 2025, the threat of violence from US-based violent extremists, including Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) and Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)-inspired homegrown violent extremists (HVEs), remains high. These extremists are often motivated by a mix of racial, religious, gender, or anti-government grievances, as well as conspiracy theories and personalized factors. The assessment notes that the 2024 election cycle and the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict are likely to be significant drivers of violence, with violent extremists potentially targeting critical infrastructure, government facilities, and other sensitive areas[2][3].

    Over the past year, DVEs have conducted several attacks, including at least four between September 2023 and July 2024, one of which resulted in a death. Law enforcement has disrupted at least seven additional DVE plots during this period. These attacks and plots often involve lone offenders or small groups using simple tactics that require minimal technical knowledge or preoperational planning[2].

    The threat from FTOs, such as ISIS and al-Qa‘ida, also persists. Following HAMAS’s October 2023 terrorist attack against Israel and subsequent Israeli operations in Gaza, these groups have renewed calls for lone offender attacks against US critical infrastructure, including government buildings, foreign embassies, and the transportation sector, particularly civil aviation. There is concern that FTO-inspired or enabled insiders may exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure[2].

    Physical attacks on critical infrastructure, such as electric grid substations and transformers, have been reported. For instance, a series of unattributed shootings against transformers and electricity infrastructure near Lansing, Michigan, occurred between August 2023 and July 2024. These attacks, while localized and short-term in impact, underscore the ongoing threat to the energy sector and other critical infrastructure[2].

    DHS continues to work with various partners to mitigate these threats. The department shares timely and actionable information with government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. Initiatives such as the Prevention Resource Finder (PRF) website and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative are part of the broader effort to prevent terrorism and targeted violence[2][3].

    In summary, the terrorist threat landscape in the United States remains complex and dynamic, with both domestic and foreign actors posing significant risks. The upcoming 2024 election cycle and ongoing global conflicts are expected to exacerbate these threats, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement, communities, and other stakeholders.
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    3 mins
  • Heightened Terrorism Threat Looms in the U.S., Warns Homeland Security
    Mar 15 2025
    In the latest assessments and updates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the threat environment for terrorism in the United States remains heightened, with several key factors and recent developments highlighting the ongoing risks.

    According to the DHS's Homeland Threat Assessment 2025, the terrorism threat in the U.S. is expected to remain high over the next year. This is driven by a combination of domestic and foreign violent extremist actors, as well as the enduring intent of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) like ISIS and al-Qa‘ida to conduct or inspire attacks within the country. The assessment notes that violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments, including the 2024 election cycle, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-HAMAS conflict, are significant drivers of this threat[1].

    Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs), motivated by various ideologies such as anti-government, racial, or gender-related grievances, continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat. Between September 2023 and July 2024, DVEs conducted at least four attacks in the U.S., resulting in one death, and law enforcement disrupted at least seven additional DVE plots. These actors often act as lone offenders or in small cells, making it challenging to predict their targets due to their vague or unrelated pre-attack statements online[1].

    The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, updated recently, reinforces this heightened threat environment. It warns that lone offenders and small groups, motivated by ideological beliefs and personal grievances, continue to exploit online forums to spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity. Upcoming events, such as the 2024 general election cycle, legislative or judicial decisions on sociopolitical issues, and religious holidays with associated mass gatherings, are identified as potential catalysts for violence. Targets of potential violence include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities, critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents[2][3].

    Foreign terrorist organizations are also actively seeking to influence and mobilize violence in the U.S. through media calls and online messaging. For instance, following the recent terrorist attack by HAMAS against Israel and subsequent Israeli operations in Gaza, groups like al-Qa‘ida have renewed calls for lone offender attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure, including government buildings and foreign embassies[1].

    In response to these threats, DHS is working closely with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to share timely and actionable information and intelligence. Initiatives such as the Prevention Resource Finder (PRF) website and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative are part of the efforts to prevent and mitigate targeted violence and terrorism. The public is also encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign[3].

    Overall, the current threat landscape in the U.S. underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among all levels of government, the private sector, and local communities to address the complex and evolving nature of terrorist threats.
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    4 mins
  • Terrorist Threat Looms: U.S. Faces Complex Landscape Ahead of 2024 Election
    Mar 12 2025
    In the latest assessments and updates, the United States continues to face a heightened and complex terrorist threat environment. According to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Homeland Threat Assessment 2025, the terrorism threat in the U.S. is expected to remain high over the next year, driven by several key factors.

    Domestic and foreign violent extremist actors are a significant concern, particularly in the context of the 2024 election cycle and ongoing global events such as the Israel-HAMAS conflict. Lone offenders and small groups, motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances, pose the greatest threat of carrying out attacks with little to no warning. These actors often exploit current events and adhere to violent extremist ideologies, which can lead to targeted violence against public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities, and critical infrastructure[1][2].

    The DHS also highlights the enduring intent of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) to conduct or inspire attacks in the U.S. homeland. Recent events, such as the October 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, have galvanized violent actors and underscore the potential for mass-casualty attacks. Additionally, adversarial nation-states are actively engaged in malign influence campaigns aimed at sowing distrust in U.S. institutions and exacerbating societal divisions, particularly during the 2024 election cycle[1][3].

    The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin reinforces these concerns, noting that the U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment. Threat actors continue to exploit online forums to spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity. The bulletin warns that upcoming events, including certifications related to the midterm elections and the holiday season, could be exploited to justify acts of violence. Targets of potential violence include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, and government facilities, among others[2].

    In terms of specific incidents, recent testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray before the Senate has emphasized the elevated threat level. Director Wray noted that threats from terrorism have reached a new level following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. He also expressed concern over the increasing number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, which has seen a significant rise since FY21[5].

    The House Committee on Homeland Security's "Terror Threat Snapshot" further underscores these concerns, highlighting the persistent threat from foreign jihadist networks like ISIS and homegrown violent extremists. The report points to the vulnerabilities caused by open borders and the recent arrest of individuals with alleged ties to ISIS who crossed the border, indicating potential plotting for terrorist attacks on U.S. soil[5].

    In summary, the terrorist threat landscape in the United States remains highly dynamic and dangerous, with multiple factors contributing to the heightened risk environment. Both domestic and foreign actors continue to pose significant threats, and ongoing global events and sociopolitical developments are likely to exacerbate these dangers in the coming months.
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    4 mins
  • Heightened Terrorism Threat Looms: U.S. on Alert Amid Evolving Risks
    Mar 10 2025
    In the latest assessments and advisories, the United States remains in a heightened state of alert due to persistent and evolving terrorist threats. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued several key updates in recent days that highlight the complex and dynamic nature of these threats.

    According to the Homeland Threat Assessment 2025, the terrorism threat environment in the U.S. is expected to remain high over the next year. This assessment underscores concerns about violent extremist responses to domestic and international events, particularly the 2024 election cycle and the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict. Lone offenders and small groups, motivated by a mix of ideological and personal grievances, continue to pose the greatest threat, often with little to no warning before carrying out attacks[1].

    The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, recently updated by DHS, echoes these concerns, noting that lone offenders and small groups motivated by various ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat. These actors have been mobilized to violence by reactions to current events, adherence to violent extremist ideologies, and the spread of false or misleading narratives online. Potential targets include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities, critical infrastructure, and the media[2].

    The threat landscape is further complicated by the exploitation of technological advances and global events. For instance, the recent terrorist attacks by HAMAS against Israel and subsequent calls by groups like ISIS and al-Qa‘ida for lone offender attacks against U.S. targets have heightened tensions. These groups are leveraging online platforms to inspire and mobilize supporters to conduct attacks in the U.S., including targeting critical infrastructure and government buildings[1][3].

    In addition to these foreign-inspired threats, domestic violent extremists (DVEs) remain a significant concern. DVEs, driven by anti-government, racial, or gender-related motivations, have conducted several attacks in the U.S. over the past year, with law enforcement disrupting additional plots. The use of conspiracy theories and personalized factors to justify violence adds complexity to identifying potential targets in advance[1].

    The financial aspect of terrorism also remains a critical issue. The 2024 National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment highlights that while some terrorist groups' capabilities have diminished, others continue to evolve and adapt. The assessment notes that individuals inspired by groups like AQ, ISIS, or DVE ideologies can carry out deadly attacks without direct direction from a terrorist group, often radicalized through social media[3].

    In summary, the U.S. faces a multifaceted and heightened terrorist threat environment, driven by both domestic and foreign actors. The ongoing exploitation of technological advancements, global events, and online platforms by these actors underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement, government agencies, and the public to mitigate these threats.
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    3 mins
  • Heightened Terrorist Threat Looms as US Faces Domestic and Foreign Extremist Attacks
    Mar 3 2025
    In the past 48 hours, the United States has remained under a heightened threat environment due to various terrorist and extremist activities. According to the latest updates from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the country continues to face significant threats from both domestic and foreign violent extremists.

    The DHS's recent Homeland Threat Assessment 2025 highlights that lone offenders and small groups, motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances, pose a persistent and lethal threat. These actors have been exploiting current events, including the 2024 election cycle and the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict, to justify or commit acts of violence. Domestic violent extremists (DVEs) have targeted various groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, government officials, and ideological opponents, often using online platforms to promote swatting and doxxing of their targets[1].

    Foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) such as ISIS and al-Qa‘ida continue to maintain their intent to conduct or inspire attacks in the United States. Al-Qa‘ida, in particular, has reinvigorated its outreach to Western audiences, releasing an Inspire-branded video in December 2023 that encouraged attacks against civil aviation, prominent individuals, and Jewish targets. Iran also remains a significant threat, with its proxies and affiliates continuing to encourage attacks against the West and Jewish and Christian communities[1].

    The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) has issued an updated bulletin reflecting the ongoing heightened threat environment. This bulletin warns of the potential for mass casualty attacks and targeted violence by lone offenders and small groups, particularly during upcoming events such as the holiday season and large gatherings. The online environment, filled with false or misleading narratives and conspiracy theories, continues to exacerbate societal friction and undermine public trust in government institutions[2].

    In a recent public service announcement, the FBI and DHS alerted the public to the potential for copycat or retaliatory attacks following a vehicle ramming incident inspired by foreign terrorist organizations. Such attacks have historically targeted pedestrians, law enforcement, and crowded public venues, and may involve additional weapons or improvised explosive devices[5].

    The threat landscape is further complicated by state actors, such as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia, and Iran, which continue to threaten the integrity of U.S. critical infrastructure through cyber and physical attacks. The PRC is particularly noted for its efforts to pre-position on U.S. networks for potential cyber attacks in the event of a conflict[1].

    In summary, the United States remains vigilant against a diverse and evolving array of terrorist threats, with a focus on both domestic and foreign actors who exploit various events and online platforms to inspire violence. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
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    3 mins