Terror Threat ‘Most Significant’ Since 9/11

“Groups affiliated with al Qaeda are now actively targeting the United States and looking to use Americans or Westerners who are able to remain undetected by heightened security measures,” FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee today. “It appears domestic extremism and radicalization appears to have become more pronounced based on the number of disruptions and incidents.  Mueller appeared before the Senate committee along with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and National Counterterrorism Chief Michael Leiter.

With American success abroad, Secretary Napolitano warned that terrorist groups are working harder than ever to recruit “homegrown” extremists who can strike from within the United States.  “Homegrown terrorists represent a new and changing facet of the terrorist threat.” Napolitano said, “To be clear, by homegrown, I mean terrorist operatives who are U.S. persons, and who were radicalized in the United States.”

Terror Threat Most Significant Since 9/11

According to the experts, a number of recent events point to an increase in al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations’ recruitment efforts.  Among the examples experts pointed out today were an uncovered plot to bomb the New York City subway system last September; the shooting attack at Ft. Hood by Army Maj. Nidal Hassan which killed 13; the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Airlines flight 253; and the May 1 attempted bombing in Times Square.

These were not isolated incidents, the experts warned today.  Over the past two years alone, over 60 Americans have been arrested or convicted on terrorism charges.  In addition, the FBI believes the number of Americans willing to act on behalf of foreign terrorist groups is growing.  One of the most powerful recruiting tools is the Internet, Leiter said.

“During the past year our nation has dealt with the most significant developments in the terrorist threat to the Homeland since 9/11,” Leiter told the committee. “The attack threats are now more complex, and the diverse array of threats tests our ability to respond, and makes it difficult to predict where the next attack may come.”

“A blend of al Qaeda inspiration, perceived victimization, and glorification of past plotting, has become increasingly accessible through the Internet, and English-language websites are tailored to address the unique concerns of US-based extremists.”

Comments (83)

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  • rocktruth
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:19pm

    staythecourse – I think you may be on to something. This could give the green light to increase funding for new spy technologies specifically for Americans.

    Report Post » rocktruth  
  • missmarie
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:17pm

    I try to keep up with the press briefings and terror alerts and whatnot on a weekly basis. It isn’t easy – there are a whole bunch of groups issuing information out there on how secure/non-secure we are – and they all use the terms terror or terrorism, specific group affiliations, but typically not “muslim extremists”. My favorite site is Department of Defense, they just say what needs to be said and don’t try blowing any sunshine up my skirt.

    If interested, a listing of all the various groups spending your hard-earned tax dollars on keeping you safe are here:

    http://www.state.gov/s/ct/team/index.htm

    Also, if anyone wants the original, here is the full speech from old whatshername – I don’t have anything nice to say about her, so….how’s this – her speechwriter is very articulate and uses punctuation very effectively.

    http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/testimony/testimony_1285168556484.shtm

    Report Post » missmarie  
  • GodsDotr
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:04pm

    This is what happens when you remove God from public life, especially schools. You get people who don’t know who they are and they join groups to give them dimension.

    Report Post »  
  • RESTORATION1787
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:53pm

    It’s amazing, Since the election of our fearless commander and weakling, we no longer call it terrorism.
    Yet there is a raised alert for a terrorist attack. I‘m really surprised we haven’t had our a$$ kicked yet. It’s just a matter of time! But fear not for we can absorb / endure an attack! I just pray I’m not one of the absorbed!

    Report Post » RESTORATION1787  
  • VincentMVNY
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:47pm

    Tsk, tsk! You must not use the word ‘terrorism’ or ‘terror’ in your headlines and text. It’s not PC. They‘re ’man made disaters’!

    Report Post »  
  • Waiting4George
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:47pm

    This administration is officially receiving their No Confidence vote in November. All I can think about is how we were literally held hostage by those cretins in Iran as Carter continued to plunge us into 20% interest rates in a stalled economy….get ready after November…something wicked this way comes.

    Report Post »  
  • LBreath
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:47pm

    Don’t you see? The terrorists are us! If Napolitano can move the threat from the Middle East to the U.S.A. then the case can be made to elimininate more civil liberties in the interest of national security.

    Report Post »  
  • woodyb
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:41pm

    NOT TO WORRY!!!!!!!!!!
    “We can endure another terror attack” — Barack Obama!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • jb1972
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:55pm

      exactly! we already took the hit when he was elected….

      Report Post » jb1972  
    • NotaLemming
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:32am

      Sure Sure we can endure. Lets confirm this. We must ask the victims at Ft Hood. Oh they are dead. So lets ask the victims of the world trade centers. Oh thats right they ABSORBED the impact of those jets and are dead also. Way to Go Barack. We see your TRUE COLORS SHINNING THROUGH.

      Report Post » NotaLemming  
  • Thunderstorm 316
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:21pm

    So these are the same people who said that war vets and right wingers could have the pontential to be terrorist in a report. I can not wait untill november it is time to vote these nut jobs out!

    Report Post »  
  • LadybugsTX
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:19pm

    Hold the phone…. First of all, I thought there was no “Radical Islamics.” Secondly, I thought the Democrats and Obama’s special brand of Muslim ass kissing and appeasement was suppose to make it better, not worse.

    Report Post » IMPEACH GEORGE SOROS!!  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:17pm

    Every month their story changes, who knows what to believe. What they need to do is get the conservatives off their terror list and start looking at the real threats to our country. They can start with the White House, the State Department, the Office of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department. They are a much bigger threat than even Al Qaeda. But, no worries, this November we will start our own clean up job. Each and every conservative ought to make a pledge to get at least one other conservative to the voting booth.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • RobR
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:07pm

    The Obama administration sure sets the wrong example for these islamic jihadists.

    They feel empowered by a president who gives them, as well as many Americans the impression he is quite possibly one of them, or at the very least a sympathizer

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • rocktruth
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:02pm

    We didn’t have a problem with terror when McCain was trying to get elected.

    Who knows what the people in power would allow to strengthen their position and grip.

    Report Post » rocktruth  
    • DarthHubrys
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 7:08am

      you mean like the BP spill? I am not saying they were involved, but the possibility is there, same as the rest of the “wacko conspiracy theory.” Given the atrocities the US government has fessed up to, I can no longer say there is anything “THEY” won’t do in the name of power. I am surprised she did not come right out and say “tea party, 9-12 project, Oath Keepers, etc.

      It would not surprise me if STORM or the “Weather Underground” or one of the unions do end up staging some major unrest between now and 2012, I have a sinking feeling they are chopping at the bit to declare a state of emergency and just suspend Congress and the Constitution, in the name of “your best interest America.”

      Report Post » DarthHubrys  
  • flagbearer
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:01pm

    Get the book, THE SECOND AFTER. Glenn Beck spoke of it on his show. I’m listening to it (downloaded it from the computer) now. My husband listened to it first. He’s not one to take things too seriously, but he really took note of this one. It is an eye-opener as to the threat of an EMP attack. Our lovely Congress has chosen to not prepare for this very real threat, in spite of warnings by many in the know-how. Perhaps you have seen the NASA program about it. Be good scouts, conservatives, and prepare for the worst. Better safe than sorry. Enemies do attack at the foe’s weakest links, and we are very vulnerable at this link.

    Report Post »  
  • crazedbanshee
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:57pm

    I am more concerned with the ability of the Gov’t to claim a U.S citizen as being linked to a terrorist organization and bypass the judicial system. I hope this is not setting the stage for them to go on a massive witch hunt.

    Report Post »  
  • NotaLemming
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:56pm

    Lions and Tigers and Man Made disasters OH MY. Obama and his “No these are not Terrorist attacks” rhetoric is a joke. A joke that is RESPONSIBLE for the murders of the soldiers at Ft Hood.

    But I am harsh in my opinion of Obama. I think Obama himself is also a terrorist for allowing the southern border to remain open. Anybody that wants to come to America for our Free Housing and Free Food Stamps is further ENCOURAGED by Obama’s FREE RANGE Open Door Policy. This leads to hundreds more ILLEGAL immigrant souls ripping into the desert to try and discover the AMERICAN DREAM, You know the ones that the socialist democrats are trying to destroy. Yes that one. This no-mans Land is where they either die of dehydration or are raped and or murdered by Human Smugglers or Hamas or Hezbollah along the way.

    Report Post » NotaLemming  
  • unionrockstar
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:53pm

    Hey Barry,
    Where are you!!!!!
    Your #1 responsibility is to ensure our safety
    Oh; I remember now, you’re at the U.N. explaining Americans new approach to helping under previledged countries.
    Isn’t that us??? I know people personally who haven’t worked in over a year.

    Report Post »  
    • jb1972
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:48pm

      and still dont care? Govt’ handouts are nice.

      Report Post » jb1972  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 10:51am

      @UNION
      Anybody who hasn‘t worked in over a year doesn’t want to work. This is the basic union mentality:
      “There’s 730 people ahead of me on the out-of-work list. Oh well, guess I’ll collect my unemployment check and wait for them to get to me.”

      No, you lazy union leeches, get off your duffs and find a non-union gig. Oh, but wait. Then you might actually have to earn all your money. Commie bastages.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
  • drconstitutionalconservative
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:51pm

    For the last 22 months, the head ‘IslamoCrazy” has been living in OUR White House.

    Report Post »  
    • emqcrcu
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:36pm

      amen to that statement! Long story to tell website about watching middleeasternmen entering and leaving AMERICA under various pretenses from Central America where we lived. Reported one very strange incident to steward on flight from IAH to SJO. I think that one was picked up. All of us everywhere need to be on guard and when we see something or someone “that just doesn’t feel right”, we need to film it, get photos and get it to ___________________??? The BLAZE maybe? GOD BLESS AND PROTECT AMERICA AND REAL AMERICANS and may HE UNCOVER THE BAD GUYS real quick here.

      Report Post »  
  • Man From Maine
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:48pm

    Not to be too parinoid, but why do I get the feeling Obsma & Co. are looking for an attack so they again not let a crisis go unused.

    Report Post » Man From Maine  
  • megansmom
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:46pm

    i thought we didn’t have a terrorist problem according to the pres and his team. So why the switch around?
    Ohhh, the internet thingy they want to pass maybe or the upcoming elections they want to appear caring, Geez I wonder what the real truth is behind this sudden shift.

    Report Post »  
  • SummerB
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:42pm

    Not to worry, as said by Obama in Woodward’s new book, we can absorb another terrorist attack. The truth is if we do have another attack, Obama’s Presidency is surely over.

    Report Post »  
    • jcatlanta
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:30pm

      So its obious the POTUS doen’t take his oath of office seriously, I would think we could impeach him due to his failure to protest us or even want to protect us.

      jcatlanta  
    • flamedone1968
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 5:08am

      Don’t be so sure… would be a perfect excuse to put martial law into effect and with elections comming up… We might be in deeper than we thin. I hope not.

      Report Post » flamedone1968  
  • Topcat
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:41pm

    Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is in the wrong job , she cant even deal with the security issues in her own state , how is going to make decisions involving the entire country . I am beginning to think that President Obamas policies and picks to head these positions , is starting to put this countries national security at risk.

    Report Post » Topcat  
    • captquest
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:50pm

      @topcat
      Napolitano and this administration’s policies have all but rendered our Intelligence agency inadequate. Policies such as not allowing communications with “enemy insiders” and interrogation methods are making our efforts to collect intelligence less effective.

      captquest  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:37pm

    Side effects of Obamanomics

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • sodun
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:33pm

    Significant terror threat? It wouldn’t have anything to do with open borders, or the left coming against Bush at every turn, or allowing our troops to be courts martialed for doing their job would it?
    .
    It wouldn’t have anything to do with putting border agents in jails for shooting a drug smuggler in the butt would it? I mean how dare they actually try to do their jobs right?
    .
    It wouldn’t have anything to do with Obama suing Arizona because DC refuses to PROTECT THE US. would it?

    Report Post » sodun  
    • flagbearer
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:51pm

      And, we American citizens are just Islamaphobic. If these terrorists are being radicalized in the U. S., just who/where/when/how/ and by whom? By George, could it possibly be “moderate” Muslims and in mosques/community centers like the one they want to put at Ground Zero? Uh, oh. Gotta shut down the Internet, ’cause it is tailor-made for U. S. based terrorists. It’s all trickery to push us into One World Government. The saddest part is that by not securing our borders, not taking a stand against CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, and not doing their jobs, these traitors are just as responsible for any loss of American lives as are the terrorists.

      Report Post »  
    • VegasGuy
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:57pm

      SODUN, all excellent points.

      Here is one more: Making this country so politically correct that our military is incapable of expunging Major Nidal Hasan, a Soldier of Allah, from its own ranks.

      Report Post » VegasGuy  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:30pm

    I am absolutely astonished that we haven’t experienced a small group of IslamoCrazies simultaneously detonating in (completely unsecured) shopping malls in random, “low-value target” American cities and towns. Especially with our newly-displayed soft foreign-policy underbelly. These types of reports always give me chills.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:04pm

      Would it be the 30,000 troops sent to Afghanistan that gives us our soft foreign policy?

      Report Post » rocktruth  
    • broker0101
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:16pm

      No, it wouldn’t. Next question.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • evilmormon
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:19pm

      Yeah, the 30,000 troops that are not allowed to fire their weapons at the enemy because according to Obama, there is no enemy. And if they do kill a terrorist, the JAG and ACLU lawyers will make sure that soldier gets 20 years at Leavenworth prison.

      Report Post »  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:36pm

      I was trying to be hopeful but I really don’t have a good feeling about this either. We are at risk.

      Video: Is Obama a National Security Risk?
      http://youtu.be/Ww7J15fa75g

      Report Post » rocktruth  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:51pm

      “Homegrown terrorists represent a new and changing facet of the terrorist threat.” Napolitano said, “To be clear, by homegrown, I mean terrorist operatives who are U.S. persons, and who were radicalized in the United States.”

      This narrative reminds me of a book I recently read by a best-selling author (guess who). The book outlines a fictitious scenario that I’ve been contemplating for over a year, i.e., there will be a national emergency/disaster, blamed on radical American terrorists, which will necessitate the postponement/cancellation/abolishment of elections. Obama has to know that his policies are political suicide. Maybe he also knows that politics as we know it will soon be over.

      Concerning Napolitano’s use of the phrase “U.S. persons”, I think this officially signifies that the administration considers illegal immigrants to be defacto citizens of the United States. I’ve heard the phrase before, but not from a government official.

      In addition, I propose that the word “homegrown” be added to the list of words that Napolitano shouldn’t use, e.g., “broad”, and “tool”.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:53pm

      I thought we couldn’t use the word terrorist anymore?

      Report Post »  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:54pm

      WARNING…. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT THEY ARE SAYING! I am very skeptical that this administration is suddenly concerned about islamic terrorists. I do believe they are concerned about what they call “extremists” who use the internet for communication… but think… who is it that this administration calls “extemists” and “a treat”? None other than the teaparty. My gut tells me that this is not about islamic terrorists but it is about the administrations planned goal to take over the internet. STAY VIGILENT

      Report Post »  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:59pm

      CORRECTION TO EARLIER ENTRY. That should be “threat” not “treat’

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:08pm

      Obama’s media is prohibited from using terms “terrorist”, “Islam”, “Muslim”,“Mosque at Ground Zero”, “Night is Black”, “Sky is Blue”, “Red States”. William “Bill” Maher is exempt because he’s a paid informant

      poverty.sucks  
    • I am 'We the People
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:32am

      Boy is this scary… If they were going after real jihadists the ok, but the is a ploy to target us and our websites. I don’t know about you, but I would say forget gold, buy amo.

      Report Post » I am 'We the People  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 3:10am

      http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/AmericanAttacks.htm

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • FREEDOM
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 5:42am

      They’re only “IslamoCrazies” because they hate us for our freedom, NOT because we have over 700 military bases around the world, preemptively invade other countries, kill thousands of innocent people, and overthrow foreign leaders who don’t play ball with us … Which creates an always fresh supply of enemies for our “war on terrorism,” at least until we either kill all of them or go broke trying. Who wants to bet it’s the latter?

       
    • Barry Da Fraud
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 6:15am

      Only union and entitlement recipients can afford to shop at the malls, all are Barry votes.The POTUS does not want his muslim buds to harm the votes. The unprotected malls are safe. Real employment locations (non-AFLCIO and SEIU) are safe. Other locations with high worker density are at risk, non-Barry voters.

      Report Post »  
    • Grandfather Z
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 9:03am

      Your chills are well founded. The simple fact of the matter is, the would-be terrorist know full well there are many like myself, military trained, X- SOG members, law abiding concealed carry individuals, cops always armed even in civies, and a whole lot more Partiots willing to go after them just to make a statement of, “&uck with us and WILL pay with your life, period” No if and‘s of but’s about it.
      P.S. do not openly give them the tools to or even suggest these types of actions. Thank you very much. Beware of the africans claiming to be americans converts in your area’s.

      Report Post »  
    • FlameCCT
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:20pm

      @RockHalfTruth “Would it be the 30,000 troops sent to Afghanistan that gives us our soft foreign policy?”

      The request was for minimum 45,000, so providing 2/3rds of the minimum requested would be provide documentation of our soft foreign policy. Not to mention all the bowing and appeasing by the President and his administration nor mentioning the incomprehensible rules of engagement for those troops. Then add in a lack of action on border security, illegal immigration, and calling veterans domestic terrorists.

      BTW, I and my brothers (all disabled veterans not to mention my active duty Marine child) did not appreciate being called domestic terrorists by our government.

      Report Post » FlameCCT  
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