Department of Homeland Security issues National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin

UNITED STATES — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory on Wednesday, December 16 to increase public vigilance and awareness regarding the potential for terrorism on U.S. soil.

The advisory from DHS states:

"We are in a new phase in the global threat environment, which has implications on the homeland. Particularly with the rise in use by terrorist groups of the Internet to inspire and recruit, we are concerned about the “self-radicalized” actor(s) who could strike with little or no notice. Recent attacks and attempted attacks internationally and in the homeland warrant increased security, as well as increased public vigilance and awareness.

DETAILS

• Though we know of no intelligence that is both specific and credible at this time of a plot by terrorist organizations to attack the homeland, the reality is terrorist-inspired individuals have conducted, or attempted to conduct, attacks in the United States this year.
• DHS is especially concerned that terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown violent extremists may be encouraged or inspired to target public events or places.
• As we saw in the recent attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, terrorists will consider a diverse and wide selection of targets for attacks.
• In the current environment, DHS is also concerned about threats and violence directed at particular communities and individuals across the country, based on perceived religion, ethnicity, or nationality.

U.S. GOVERNMENT COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS

• DHS and the FBI are providing additional guidance to state and local partners on increased security measures. The public should expect an increased presence of law enforcement across communities in the weeks ahead. More stringent security should also be anticipated at public places and events. This may include a heavy police presence, additional restrictions and searches on bags and the use of screening technologies.
• The FBI is investigating potential terrorism-related activities associated with this broad threat throughout the United States. Federal, state, and local authorities are coordinating numerous law enforcement actions and community outreach to address this evolving threat.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Community leaders, co-workers, friends, and family can help by recognizing signs of potential radicalization to violence. For more information visit: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/.
• Report threats or suspicious activity to the FBI or your local authorities. Contact info for FBI Field Offices can be found here: http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field.

BE PREPARED

• Expect increased security across most U.S. cities and plan ahead to anticipate delays and restricted/prohibited items.
• In populated places, be responsible for your personal safety. Make a mental note of emergency exits and locations of the nearest security personnel. Keep cell phones in your pockets instead of bags or on tables so you don’t lose them during an incident. Carry emergency contact details and any special needs info with you at all times. For more visit: http://www.ready.gov/.

STAY INFORMED

• The U.S. Government will provide additional information about any emerging threat as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
• We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public events, and freely associate with others but remain vigilant and aware of surroundings while doing so, particularly during the holidays."

This advisory expires on June 16, 2016 unless otherwise renewed by DHS.