FBI and DHS have sounded an alarm warning Americans about security threats from lone-wolf attackers and unauthorized drone activity targeting July 4 Independence Day celebrations in the US, amid tensions following recent military action in the Middle East.
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies issued a joint bulletin in June saying “the most significant terrorism threat facing the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks here in New York City (and elsewhere) stems from lone wolf offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence.”
The threat is not just limited to around New York, but other large gatherings could also be targeted. The threat assessment added “These individuals are often motivated by a broad range of racial, ethnic, political, religious, anti-government, societal, or personal grievances.”
“Special events with high attendance and media coverage … remain attractive targets” for domestic and foreign terrorists and violent extremists who may want to “cause mass casualties or draw attention to their causes,” the bulletin said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has confirmed that federal officials informed her about a possible terrorist threat ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.
“Our federal partners reiterated yesterday that lone wolf actors remain the greatest potential threat including during the upcoming July 4th holiday,” Hochul said in a July 2 statement, without providing the names of the federal agencies or any specific details about potential plots.
The governor said state law enforcement officials are “in an increased alert posture following the recent conflict in the Middle East” and that under her direction, “State Police will have an increased presence at large events throughout the state” during the holiday.
“And we will be closely coordinating with local and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of all involved,” she said.
“National Guard personnel also remain deployed at major transportation hubs, as well as at key bridges and tunnels within New York City.
“We are also actively monitoring social media activity and continue to be on high alert for any cyberthreats.”
