DHS Releases Bulletin Ahead of 20th Anniversary of 9/11

DHS Releases Bulletin Ahead of 20th Anniversary of 9/11

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin as the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches. The bulletin states that officials are concerned about domestic terrorists, groups and individuals involved in “grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences.”

The bulletin states that terrorist groups have turned to digital spaces like online forums to spread extremist rhetoric and promote acts of violence. DHS also cautions that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—including grievances about government restrictions and public health safety measures—could play a role in future potential attacks.

“Through the remainder of 2021, racially- or ethnically-motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) and anti-government/anti-authority violent extremists will remain a national threat priority for the United States,” the bulletin reads. “These extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of COVID-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks. Pandemic-related stressors have contributed to increased societal strains and tensions, driving several plots by domestic violent extremists, and they may contribute to more violence this year.”

The document further warns that Al-Qaida has released its first English-language copy of Inspire magazine in more than four years, suggesting a renewed attempt to reach U.S.-based individuals. It also notes that mass-casualty domestic violent extremist attacks by RMVEs tend to target houses of worship, crowded commercial facilities and other large gatherings.

DHS says that it will continue identifying and evaluating calls for violence, focusing especially on online disinformation campaigns. It urges the public to stay aware of potential threats and report any unusually suspicious activity to local law enforcement or FBI Field Offices.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities