Domestic Terrorism
Michael Cullars
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
HLSC 530-B01: Homeland Security Capstone
Dr. James Carlino
Quandary 1:
What Do You Think is The Current Threat Level and Real-Time Situation Involving
Domestic Terrorism?
Domestic terrorism in the United States since start the 21st century has leveled off with
no significant changes. However, according to Kilroy (2018), right-wing extremist and lone-
wolf terrorist influenced through radical religious principles pose as the most likely perpetrators
of domestic terrorism in America today. Lone-wolves operate and unlimited in creating
innovative methods in conducting attacks (Kilroy, 2018). Lone-wolves do not follow a
standardized communication protocol and have a higher probability of eluding capture/arrest
from a law enforcement operation sting (Kilroy, 2018). Media outlets and the internet has
enabled extremists and terrorist organizations to spread messages of hate and radical views to
American citizens. The disgruntled American citizen may become entrapped with radical
messages and use acts of violence against innocent Americans. I assessed the possibility of
domestic terrorism occurring in the United States to be at medium risk. The unpredictability of
people's thoughts such as values, beliefs, and how they perceive the world make it different to
detect their motives and actions.
Do You Believe Religious Types of Terrorism are or just as Dangerous as Other
Types of Terrorism and Why?
Different religious views amongst people around the world have resorted to conflict.
Many engaged in acts of terrorism either professed their faith from various religious ideologies
but not limited to Christianity and Islam. For example, the Turner Diaries influenced Timothy
McVeigh to bomb the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. William Pierce, a white
supremacist, wrote a fictional book detailing a man joining a terrorist organization to fulfill
God's plan to establish a pure race (McEntire, 2019). The Turner Diaries also inspired others to
continue to hate the American Government and to act by using violence. Terrorism such as
narco-terrorism involves a political partnership between drug cartels and terrorist organizations
which drug cartels may enjoy protecting various terrorist organizations in exchange of providing
them with financial resources to conduct their terrorist activities (Schmalleger, 2019).
Quandary 2:
What are Your Views on The Collection and Use of Meta-Data collection for
Intelligence?
Meta-data includes electronic information but not limited to emails, phone numbers, and
automated license plate readers. I support the intelligence agencies collection of meta-data
because the gathering and sharing of intelligence is a critical component in combatting terrorism.
However, according to McEntire (2019), the general concern regarding meta-data relates to
privacy concerns and the unauthorized release of their personal information to other people. I
agree with the use of meta-data collection if the counter-terrorism operation(s) applies to the
objectives(s) and not overstepping the Constitutional rights of others such as the 4th and 14th
Amendments.
What are Your Views on Human Intelligence Taking into Consideration Variables Such as
Captured Sources (people) on Foreign or U.S. Soil and Interrogation Methods and
Procedures?
Terrorist organizations are difficult to infiltrate with the use of spies and secret agents.
The American Homeland Security and the intelligence communities involved in intelligence
collection requires a considerable number of agents competent enough to understand the
different languages, customs, and religious practices of the terrorist group relevant to their
mission and objectives (McEntire, 2019). Agents and other partners involved in counter-
terrorism operations should exercise caution when transporting and collecting information
informants and captured sources. There is a danger for captured sources and informants to lie to
investigators regardless of the interrogation method used. Those involved in the intelligence
community must ensure the safety of their agents and follow the protocols according to their
organization’s policies and procedures. Those engaging in hate and violence towards others are
not the children of God. The Bible states, "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to
do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar
and the father of lies" John 8:44 (ESV).
References
ESV. org. (n.d.). https://www.esv.org/
Kilroy, R. J. (2018). Threats to homeland security: reassessing the all-hazards perspective. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.
McEntire, D. A. (2019). Introduction to homeland security: understanding terrorism prevention
and emergency management. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Schmalleger, F. (2019). Criminal justice today: an introductory text for the twenty-first century.
Pearson.
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