Lone wolf attack threat under DHS and FBI scrutiny prior to July 4 celebrations
As Independence Day approaches, officials in New York City and across the nation are maintaining a heightened level of vigilance, with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifying lone wolf actors and the potential use of drones as the primary threats to large-scale celebrations.
The recent threat assessments have highlighted that lone wolf attackers pose a significant risk to public events, particularly in major cities like New York. These individuals, acting independently without direct support from terrorist organizations, may be inspired by extremist ideologies or recent attacks, making them a formidable threat to public safety.
Large public events and cultural gatherings, such as the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, remain prime targets for violence by various threat actors, including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), and individuals seeking to cause mass casualties without clear ideological motivation.
The increased threat environment is partly due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to a spate of violent extremist messaging focused on large-scale events. Copycat attacks inspired by recent incidents, such as the New Orleans terror attack on New Year's Day, are also a key concern, raising the alert for similar lone wolf attacks during July 4th celebrations.
In addition to lone wolf attacks, the use of drones at large holiday events like Independence Day celebrations poses a potential risk. While most drones are flown legally by hobbyists, they have also been used to facilitate terrorist and other criminal acts. Malicious use of drones could pose a threat to spectators, volunteers, security personnel, and first responders in and around the event.
Authorities have issued similar warnings in the past, such as before the New Orleans attack, and have emphasized that unauthorized drone activities could delay events, disrupt law enforcement operations, and increase public safety risks.
Despite the heightened threat environment, no credible, specific threats have been uncovered. However, the increased chatter indicating the potential for attacks has led the FBI to shift resources toward counterterrorism and cyber threat efforts to better protect such events.
The DHS and FBI have also cited the Boulder attack as the "most recent act of terrorist violence in the Homeland motivated by the Israel-Hamas conflict." The assailant, a Texas-born Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, targeted a group supporting Israelis held hostage by Hamas, resulting in the death of an 82-year-old woman and injuries to dozens of others.
In conclusion, while no imminent attacks have been confirmed, officials remain on high alert given the ongoing elevated threat environment surrounding major public celebrations like Independence Day. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
- Given the ongoing threat environment, individuals inspired by extremist ideologies or recent attacks pose a significant risk to public safety, especially during major events like New York's Independence Day celebrations, where large-scale events and cultural gatherings are prime targets for violation by DVEs, HVEs, FTOs, or lone wolf actors.
- As the use of drones at large holiday events, such as the 4th of July celebrations, potentially poses a risk to public safety, authorities have highlighted that malicious use of drones could threaten spectators, volunteers, security personnel, and first responders, leading to delays in events, disruptions in law enforcement operations, and increased public safety risks.
