The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security issued a Public Service Announcement on Monday, emphasizing safety threats posed by violent extremists using street vehicles as weapons, following the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, La.
Another mysterious incident shortly followed the New Orleans attack at the Trump Tower in Las Vegas, when a man blew up a truck filled with explosives and apparently also shot himself, right at the entrance of the building. In Germany, a Muslim terrorist mowed down shoppers with his vehicle at a Christmas outdoor market on Dec. 20. It added up to three similar incidents in less than two weeks.
The agencies are coordinating with state and local law enforcement to provide necessary resources and information to safeguard communities.
The announcement highlighted concerns about the possibility of copycat or retaliatory attacks, particularly involving vehicle ramming — a tactic frequently used by violent extremists inspired by foreign terrorist organizations. Attackers in the United States and abroad have utilized rented, stolen, or personally owned vehicles, often supplementing their assaults with firearms, knives, or improvised explosive devices, the FBI said. These attacks have targeted pedestrians, law enforcement, military personnel, and crowded venues such as festivals and commercial centers.
The FBI and DHS issued the warning one week before thousands of Americans will gather in Washington, D.C. to witness the swearing in of President Donald Trump. Inauguration parties will be held across the city starting Friday. Many of them will be held after dark, when it is more difficult to see what’s around the corner. Already, Washington is filled with police and buildings are surrounded with barricades. Sources say federal snipers are positioned in key places already.
The FBI and DHS urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly. “Public awareness and timely reporting can play a critical role in preventing attacks and mitigating risks,” the agencies said.
Individuals may report suspicious activity to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting their local FBI field office, which can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices. In emergencies or imminent threats to life, the public should call 911.
For concerns involving U.S. citizens abroad, including missing persons or hostage situations, the Department of State’s Overseas Citizens Services is available at (888) 407-4747 or via their Crisis Intake Form at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.
To address potential threats, the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center have compiled resources for law enforcement, first responders, faith leaders, and communities. These resources include funding opportunities, technical assistance, and educational materials designed to promote awareness and enhance preparedness.
The agencies also highlighted the 2021 edition of the unclassified booklet, “US Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators,” which outlines behaviors associated with violent extremist activity. Additional materials, including training and prevention guides, are available to help communities identify and mitigate threats through behavioral threat assessment and management strategies.
Encouraging Vigilance
Due to the individualized nature of radicalization and mobilization to violence, specific indicators can be challenging to identify. However, the FBI and DHS stressed the importance of bystander situational awareness and prompt reporting of behaviors that may indicate online radicalization or planning for attacks.
And in other breaking news, water is wet. Thanks, Captains Obvious. Is this CYA? The only thing they left out was the pre-blame a future incident on a Republican white, Anglo-Saxon protestant who drives a pickup truck.
The Biden administration has done a great job of admitting millions of illegal immigrants, with known terrorists intermingled with them. We should expect more terrorist attacks.
My guess is the FBI has some year funds that need to be spent.
So instead of protecting us from illegal immigrants and enemies coming into this country that don’t like us the federal Bureau of incompetence was very busy with woke and making sure that the conservatives didn’t say anything wrong and locked up numerous people in jail because the FBI thought they might do something.
Federal Bureau of incompetence do I need to say more?
Our new Administration is more proactive and vigilant than our current one so maybe we can try to contain this. If it’s an act of terrorism than call it so, call the perpetrators terrorists. We can’t be worried about hurting people’s feelings.