Homeland Security Revises Terror Alert System

By TONY SCHINELLA (Patch Staff)

WILMINGTON, MA - Due to “a new phase in the global threat environment,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin to warn Americans about potential future attacks yesterday.

Homeland Security stated that while there were no specific or credible intelligence of terrorism plots by individuals or organizations, “the reality is terrorist-inspired individuals have conducted, or attempted to conduct, attacks in the United States this year.” DHS is specifically worried about “terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown violent extremists” that may be “inspired to target public events or places,” according to the alert.

“As we saw in the recent attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, terrorists will consider a diverse and wide selection of targets for attacks,” according to the bulletin. “DHS is also concerned about threats and violence directed at particular communities and individuals across the country, based on perceived religion, ethnicity, or nationality.”

In preparation for potential attacks, DHS is asking to look for and recognize “potential radicalization” that could lead to violence. It defines potential suspicious activity as “observed behavior reasonably indicative of pre-operational planning associated with terrorism or other criminal activity.”

Threats and/or suspicious activity – if you see something, say something – should be reported to either local authorities or the FBI directly.

Homeland Security is also warning to expect increased security in most American cities and to plan ahead when traveling, in order to anticipate any delays and/or restricted or prohibited areas.