To prevent acts of terrorism on American soil, we must enlist all of our intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security capabilities. We will continue to integrate and leverage state and major urban area fusion centers that have the capability to share classified information; establish a nationwide framework for reporting suspicious activity; and implement an integrated approach to our counterterrorism information systems to ensure that the analysts, agents, and officers who protect us have access to all relevant intelligence throughout the government. We are improving information sharing and cooperation by linking networks to facilitate Federal, state, and local capabilities to seamlessly exchange messages and information, conduct searches, and collaborate. We are coordinating better with foreign partners to identify, track, limit access to funding, and prevent terrorist travel. Recognizing the inextricable link between domestic and transnational security, we will collaborate bilaterally, regionally, and through international institutions to promote global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks.
Tag Archive for Domestic Terrorism
Department of Homeland Security
(SBU) DHS TRIPwire: Times Square Vehicle Incendiary Device Attack
In the evening of May 1, 2010, a vehicle with a large incendiary device was discovered and rendered safe in Times Square, New York City. The vehicle was parked at 1515 7th Ave. in Times Square, according to local police officials. The vehicle did not detonate as designed, and there were no casualties. The investigation into the attempted bombing is still ongoing. According to open sources, the vehicle was a blue Nissan Pathfinder spotted by a street vendor who noticed smoke emanating from the vehicle about 6:30pm EST. It is believed the vehicle was abandoned just after 6:00pm, and had its hazard lights flashing and its engine still running. A firefighter who arrived on the scene shortly after being notified reported seeing a “flash” and heard a “popping sound” from the trunk of the vehicle. Theatres, hotels and all foot traffic in the area were cleared and streets were cordoned off by police.
Department of Homeland Security
(U//FOUO) DHS Times Square Attempted Bombing Snapshot
(U) Times Square:
–(U) At 6:34pm, a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder bearing Connecticut license plates was discovered in front of 45thStreet and Broadway, the Times Square area of New York City, with smoke in the cabin. Eyewitnesses report seeing smoke and hearing popping sounds coming from inside the vehicle, and people were observed running from the scene. A mounted NYPD Patrol Officer responded, evacuated the area, and notified the bomb squad.
(U) On 2 May, at approximately 1330, Al-Jazeera reported that a group claiming to be Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan had claimed responsibility for the attack in a one-minute long video posted on a video-sharing Website. It has yet to be determined if the tape is authentic, and if so, if the group played any role in the attack.
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
ATF American/Canadian Northern Border Extremists
According to information obtained via the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the number of hate groups operating with the United States has risen and continues to rise. In 2006, law enforcement intelligence and SPLC information counted 844 organizations in 2007; this number has risen to 888, an increase of approximately 4.7 percent. This number may seem small; however, during an 8-year time period, this has translated into a 48-percent jump in the number of groups since 2000, when there were 602 hate groups operating in the United States, according to research by the intelligence project of the SPLC. Much of the expansion has been driven by hate groups’ exploitation of the issue of illegal immigration, which most Americans see as a pressing concern. This overview addresses the issue of American and Canadian extremism in Canada and in those States that fall along the American-Canadian border.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, New Jersey
New Jersey ROIC: Terrorist Bus Alteration
In December 2007, the Fairfield (New Jersey) Police Department (FPD) observed a bus, registered in Florida, at a local gas station, where the driver was pumping diesel fuel through an open window into the bus. Further investigation revealed that the driver had removed the right-side seats to accommodate eighteen 55-gallon plastic drums, which he filled with approximately 300 gallons of diesel fuel before FPD impounded the bus. There were numerous equipment violations observed and the driver was issued summonses as a result. The drums were not secured and diesel fuel apparently leaked during the fueling process.
California, Intelligence Fusion Centers
LA-RTTAC (U) Synopsis of Recent Terrorism Arrests
(U) JRIC provides the following summary of recent terrorism-related arrests. These cases are not related to one another; several of the arrests and indictments resulted from lengthy investigations.
Arizona, Department of Homeland Security
Homegrown Terrorist Plots on the Rise in 2009
Phoenix Homeland Defense Bureau: Homegrown Terrorist Plots on the Rise in 2009.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, New York
New York State Law Enforcement Terrorism Indicators Reference Card
Passport history
* Recent travel overseas
* Countries of Interest — Pakistan / Afghanistan / Yemen
* Multiple passports / ID documents
* Altered/falsified ID documents
Other Identification
* No current/fixed address
* False ID papers (SSN)
* Multiple ID w/different name spellings / DOBs
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI (U//FOUO) Preliminary Analysis of Christmas Day Underwear Bomb
(U//FOUO) The Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) conducted a preliminary analysis of the approximately 30 pieces of evidence recovered after the 25 December 2009 attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines flight 253. The evidence consisted of a plastic syringe initiator with traces of Ethyl Glycol, a main charge of 76 grams of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) wrapped in a container made of thin soft “plastic” film-like material and tape and clothing worn by the bomber. The underwear worn by the bomber was modified to provide storage of the main charge which was anatomically congruent, possibly to avoid detection during screening. The underwear sustained thermal damage. Blue jeans worn by the bomber also sustained thermal damage (scorching) on the inside with small spots of melted plastic on the outside surface.
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation
DHS/FBI (U//FOUO) Potential Terrorist Attack Methods
Under the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center (HITRAC) has the responsibility to produce assessments that support the strategic planning needed to enhance the protection and preparedness of the Nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKRs). HITRAC analyzed information about terrorist attack capabilities, goals, and objectives to assess the potential terrorist attack methods that might be used against CIKRs.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, New Jersey
The Potential Terrorist Risk of Drinking Water Contamination
Domestic terrorist groups have historically threatened, and in some cases have executed contamination of drinking water systems. Such groups are likely to continue targeting the Water Sector in the future. These groups include, but are not limited to, hate groups, eco-terrorists, antigovernment and religiously motivated groups. International terrorist groups, specifically Islamic extremists such as al Qaeda, have shown interest in contaminating US drinking water.
Department of Homeland Security
(U//FOUO) Threats to College Sports and Entertainment Venues and Surrounding Areas
(U//FOUO) The Department of Homeland Security/Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the South Carolina Information and Intelligence Center, and the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, in coordination with the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Michigan State University, have prepared the following threat assessment to assist security planners and law enforcement personnel in monitoring threat information and maintaining a safe and secure event environment for U.S. college sports and entertainment venues and surrounding areas. These areas include entrance and egress routes to the venue, local hotels, restaurants and bars, and parking lots where crowds gather.
Department of Homeland Security
National Planning Scenarios Version 21.3 2006 Final Draft
The Federal interagency community has developed 15 all-hazards planning scenarios (the National Planning Scenarios or Scenarios) for use in national, Federal, State, and local homeland security preparedness activities. The Scenarios are planning tools and are representative of the range of potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters and the related impacts that face our nation. The objective was to develop a minimum number of credible scenarios in order to establish the range of response requirements to facilitate preparedness planning.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Terrorism Quick Reference Card
First responding officers should be aware of suspicious factors that may indicate a possible terrorist threat. These factors should be considered collectively in assessing a possible threat. This quick reference guide is intended to provide practical information for line officers but may not encompass every threat or circumstance. State and local law enforcement may contact their local FBI field office or resident agency for additional assistance.
White House
Obama Executive Order: Establishment of the Council of Governors
Sec. 2. Functions. The Council shall meet at the call of the Secretary of Defense or the Co-Chairs of the Council to exchange views, information, or advice with the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Homeland Security; the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs; the Commander,United States Northern Command; the Chief, National Guard Bureau; the Commandant of the Coast Guard; and other appropriate officials of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, and appropriate officials of other executive departments or agencies as may be designated by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security.Such views, information, or advice shall concern:
(a) matters involving the National Guard of the various States;
(b) homeland defense;
(c) civil support;
(d) synchronization and integration of State and Federal military activities in the United States; and
(e) other matters of mutual interest pertaining toNational Guard, homeland defense, and civil support activities.
United States
National Retail Federation Emergency Response Protocols to Active Shooters
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
Department of Homeland Security, FEMA
Target Capabilities List User Guide
The Target Capabilities List (TCL) Implementation Project is the method by which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will update the TCL and implement the doctrine of capabilities-based preparedness as outlined in the National Preparedness Guidelines. The goal of the project is to provide more user-friendly, accessible, and credible capability targets with which to link all preparedness cycle activities to strengthen preparedness across prevention, protection, response, and hazard mitigation capabilities. The purpose of this document is twofold. First, it explains the history of the TCL and why FEMA is leading the effort to streamline and revise the content found in TCL Version 2.0 through the establishment of updated Target Capabilities.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, Maryland
Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center: Stages of an Active Shooter
(U//FOUO) Due to the recent events in Virginia and threats to schools across the country, the following information is provided as background information for patrol officers. An active shooter is usually not a spur of the moment action. The person progresses through a number of identifiable stages. These stages may occur in rapid succession or over a period of months or even years. During the first four stages, law enforcement may have an opportunity to intervene before the shooter is able to execute the plan.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI The School Shooter: A Quick Reference Guide
REMEMBER
# Many offenders experienced a significant personal loss in the months leading up to the attack, such as a death, breakup, or divorce in the family.
# Many offenders engaged in repetitive viewing of violent media and were often fascinated with previous school shootings. Repeated viewing of movies depicting school shootings, such as “Zero Day” and “Elephant,” may indicate a fascination with campus attacks.
# Be aware of the subject’s online videos, blogs, and social networking activities.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, New Jersey
HAMAS Sympathizers in New Jersey: Supporting Terrorism Abroad
The Palestinian statehood issue remains a popular and unifying cause throughout the Arab and Islamic world, and a high agenda item for militant jihadists. HAMAS is one of the principal terrorist groups involved in this conflict and uses violence in the form of terrorism to further its cause. The organization has long been designated by the US Department of State as a terrorist group. According to the State Department’s 2007 “Country Reports on Terrorism,” HAMAS receives funding from Iran, sympathetic supporters in Arab countries, and from the Palestinian diaspora around the world, including in the United States.
Department of Homeland Security
DHS Cyber Threat to the U.S.
Cyber Threat Branch Responsibilities
• Execute the responsibilities created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002:
– Access, receive, and analyze law enforcement, intelligence, and other information from federal, state, and local agencies and private sector entities to:
• Identify and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threats
• Detect and identify threats to the United States
• Understand threats in light of actual and potential vulnerabilities
– Carry out comprehensive assessments to determine the risk posed by terrorist attacks
• Outreach plays a critical role in the mission
– The CTB provides threat briefings and teleconferences to:
• Sector Coordinating Councils
• Government Coordinating Councils
• Key industry associations
Intelligence Fusion Centers
New Jersey ROIC: Indicators of Criminal and Terrorist Activities ~ Storage Facilities
On April 16, 2008, authorities arrested Roger Von Bergendorff for possession of the deadly biological toxin ricin after searches of three storage lockers he rented in Utah revealed traces of ricin, laboratory equipment, chemicals, and castor beans (the ingredient from which ricin is derived), as well as a drawing of an injection device. When Bergendorff fell critically ill in February in a Las Vegas hotel room, authorities discovered vials containing enough ricin to kill more than 500 people.
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation
(U//FOUO) International Terrorists Remain Focused on Targeting Luxury Hotels
The DHS/Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the FBI are releasing this Joint Homeland Security Note to raise security awareness regarding terrorist interest in targeting luxury hotels.
U.S. Northern Command
Joint Task Force Civil Support Command Brief
JTF-CS anticipates, plans and integrates USNORTHCOM Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Consequence Management operations and when directed, establishes command and control of DoD forces for a CBRNE incident to assist local authorities in saving lives, preventing injury, and providing temporary critical life support.
North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command
National Exercise Program Overview
• NEP encompasses the following:
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
• Five-Year National Exercise Schedule
• Corrective Action Program (CAP)
• Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS) System
• President George W. Bush approved the NEP Implementation Plan (I-Plan) on April 11, 2007; the Homeland Security Council (HSC) and the Deputies Committee approved modifications to the NEP IPlan and Five-Year National Exercise Schedule in December 2008