kolbye thumbnail

FBI Special Agent Discusses Counterterrorism at GovSec West 2013

Kevin Kolbye, as assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas office, spoke about the FBI’s counterterrorism efforts.

At GovSec West 2013, Dallas native Kevin Kolbye, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas office, discussed terrorism in a presentation entitled, “Terrorism, An Ever Evolving Threat: An Overview of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Mission.” Kolbye served as the FBI’s On-Scene Commander for the Benghazi investigation. In addition to talking about the Benghazi investigation, he discussed threats that our nation faces and how the FBI is addressing these threats.

Before speaking about Benghazi, Kolbye spoke about the FBI’s involvement in previous terrorist threats abroad. He also discussed other threats that our nation faces, such as cybercrime, weapons of mass destruction, homegrown violent extremism and active shooters.

kevinkolbyeIn countries such as Afghanistan, Kolbye pointed out, the FBI has six missions, which include: detainee interviews, biometrics, sensitive site exploitations, combined explosive exploitation cell, criminal investigations and capacity building.

Kolbye then began discussing international threats and stressed the importance of dealing with a terrorist attack toward the US that doesn’t occur on our turf (i.e. Benghazi) and stated, “If we’re going to be involved, we have to be there on the ground.” This is why the FBI went to Benghazi and also goes to foreign countries when an American citizen is kidnapped or murdered.

Having recently returned from Libya, Kolbye discussed the troubles the country is facing, both with creating a successful political system and with managing crime and terrorism. There are several indigenous terrorist groups plaguing Libya, as well as international ones such as Al-Qaeda. Before Gaddafi was thrown out of power, the country was under such a strict dictatorship that little to no crime occurred. Now the country is plagued with severe crime and terrorism, while also struggling to create a working political and legal system.

Toward the end of the presentation, when asked by an audience member what Kolbye saw as the biggest threat to the US, he said active shooters. According to Kolbye, while the FBI can manage something like taking down a terrorist plot, controlling active shooters is much more difficult because of gun availability, mental health troubles and the unpredictability factor. 

About the Author

Jamie Friedlander is an associate content editor at Security Products magazine.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.