The document summarizes how terrorism in the U.S. has evolved since 9/11. It notes that while direct attacks from overseas groups have decreased, the threat of inspiring domestic radicalization has increased and is now the primary concern. Homegrown violent extremists who become self-radicalized online are identified as the most dangerous threat. The document also discusses how terrorist groups have adapted to use social media and encrypted communications more effectively to recruit and enable attacks. Overall, it concludes that the terrorist threat remains serious and has become more decentralized and difficult to predict.

1. Terrorism in the U.S. & Changes Since 9-11

2. As September 11th 2018 marks the 17th year since the horrific coordinated Al-Qaeda attack
on America, the threat from terrorism has evolved and metastasized.
While the danger from terrorists coming to attack in the U.S. has dissipated, the threat of
overseas actors such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda inspiring and enabling radicalized Americans is
our primary security concern from international terrorism in the U.S.
Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.

3. During the 10th Anniversary of 9-11 (in 2011), the FBI Law Enforcement
Bulletin posted an article titled “The Evolution of Terrorism Since 9-11”.
Some information is as follows:
• As would be expected, the associate groups of Al-Qaeda were
recognized as a serious threat in this report 7 years ago.
• The threat was identified in particular to U.S. persons
and interests overseas.
• A generation of unaffiliated individuals inspired by technology,
but lacking in formal ties to foreign terrorist groups were a main
issue in 2011, prior to the rise of ISIS.
• This group is the base for Homegrown Violent
Extremists (HVE), currently the most dangerous threat
to homeland security.
Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.

4. Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.
• A 2007 publication cited in the 2011 FBI Bulletin stated Al-Qaeda in Iraq
(AQI) – the precursor group to IS – was the only AQ affiliate with a desire
to attack U.S. homeland. (Group that ISIS evolved from had an interest in
attacking U.S. communities over a decade ago)
• In this earlier era, U.S. based HVEs were tracked traveling to
Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen for terrorist training.
• These were places they headed before Syria became
primary location until recently. Where is the future
battlefield?
• The internet was also referenced in the FBI article as allowing
terror groups to overcome geographic limits, and playing an
increasing role in facilitation of terrorist activities.

5. Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.
• We all know the evolution of terrorism as it currently relates to the
internet all these many years after 9-11 and since the article referenced
from 2011.
• ISIS and other terrorist groups effectively utilize an assortment of Social
media platforms to recruit and communicate with HVEs on planning
attacks.
• Encrypted communications platforms allow terrorists, criminals and
other nefarious actors much more anonymity in operating.
• Terrorist communications, like all other ways of communicating in 2018,
are local and global all at the same time.

6. • ISIS has been able to capitalize on the long term trend of HVE’s in our
communities radicalizing to deadly ideology.
• Even in a post physical so-called “caliphate” era, U.S. persons continue
embracing the ISIS & other deadly ideas of all persuasions.
• The danger from terrorists is generational and unfortunately 17 years
after 9-11, there are no indicators of the overall threats going away.
• As opposed to 2001, the dangers are much more street level and can
happen in any community large or small. New York City and
Washington D.C. are not the primary places we see terrorist activity 17
years and continuing.
Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.

7. Terrorism in the U.S. and Changes Since 9-11 CONT.
All communities must learn more about these enduring terrorist
threats and remain vigilant as well as resilient.
HNCT closely tracks ongoing threats, plots, and terrorist attacks impacting areas
locally, as well as places around the globe.
Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube for updated information
and insight on the enduring ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrorism dangers happening
where you live, work, play and travel.
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