No Clear Profile for Homegrown Terrorist

Retired FBI special agent Jeff Lanza says that improved surveillance and cooperation techniques help law enforcement prevent terrorist attacks, but homegrown terrorists continue to threaten U.S. security. But Lanza says there is no consistent profile to help agents detect homegrown terrorists, especially those who are self-radicalized.  “Sometimes their motives are separate and distinct,” Lanza observes. “If there is a common thread, they are unhappy with their lives. They want to express their unhappiness against someone and ignite some sort of revenge.” Of the 71 terrorist plots detected since 9/11, seven involved self-radicalized or “lone wolf” terrorists. However, some experts say the “lone wolf” is a misnomer because even self-radicalized extremists are motivated by existing militant groups and do reach out to terrorists via online forums. “This idea that these people all across America are acting alone fundamentally misunderstands the terrorist threat,” argues U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.).   Lanza agrees.  “If I’m a homegrown terrorist and decide to take out some revenge on the United States, it’s much easier to do that today under the radar than prior to the Internet and social media sites, he says.”