The House Committee on Homeland Security has released an updated “Terror Threat Snapshot,” highlighting current and evolving threats to the United States, its allies, and the global community. The update follows the Committee’s annual Worldwide Threats hearing, which included testimony from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen.
Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) stated: “Twenty-four years after 9/11, what we heard from Director Kent in our annual Worldwide Threats hearing last week should disturb every American. The Biden-Harris administration’s vetting failures and open-borders policies will have long-lasting impacts on our homeland security. Although the Trump administration has achieved historic milestones in securing the border and identifying potential national security threats on U.S. soil, the terror threat landscape globally and in the homeland continues to shift. With homegrown and domestic radicalization on the rise, the holidays beginning, and preparations for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics underway, we must be prepared to meet this moment with a coordinated, whole-of-government approach that safeguards communities and ensures people can gather safely. Moving forward, Homeland Republicans will continue to conduct rigorous oversight in response to the dangerous decisions of the previous administration––which still affect us today––and will work with our colleagues to ensure America is never again caught off guard.”
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) commented: “The terror landscape in the United States is evolving fast and becoming more dangerous every single day. Online radicalization has supercharged the reach of foreign terrorist organizations, emboldening them to inspire violence on our soil without stepping foot on it. And we’ve seen the consequences. Just last month in Washington, D.C., a radicalized Afghan national opened fire on two U.S. National Guardsmen in broad daylight, killing one and critically injuring the other. We cannot allow this to continue. Congress must act with urgency to protect our country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. As a former fighter pilot with more than two decades of experience combatting ISIS, I know what it takes to confront terrorism head on and the importance of continually improving our strategy to outpace our adversaries at every turn.”
Recent incidents cited in the snapshot include an attack near the White House by an Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal who ambushed two National Guard members; one was killed while another was critically injured. The FBI is investigating possible terror motives behind this event. Two other Afghan nationals have been charged this year over a plot for an ISIS-inspired attack planned for Election Day 2024.
Reports from May 2024 by DHS’s Office of Inspector General noted shortcomings in vetting Afghan parolees arriving through Operation Allies Welcome after obstacles were found screening evacuees following U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in September 2022.
Director Kent testified that between two million and 2.7 million individuals from countries lacking reliable documentation entered the United States after minimal vetting by a previous administration.
Globally, foreign terrorist organizations are resurging as shown by recent attacks such as one in Syria where two Iowa National Guard soldiers, a U.S. civilian were killed by a gunman allegedly affiliated with ISIS.
Last month saw passage of legislation requiring DHS to assess terrorism threats posed by individuals with ties to groups operating out of Syria.
Foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda are making greater use of digital platforms for radicalization efforts; law enforcement arrested Ammaad Akhtar for attempting material support for terrorism after he expressed support for ISIS online during communications with an undercover officer.
FBI’s Glasheen told lawmakers: “Radicalization of domestic terrorists most often occurs online. Social media and encryption have increased the speed and accessibility of violent extremist content.” In response to risks linked with emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence being exploited by terrorists, Congress passed legislation mandating annual threat assessments involving these technologies.
Antisemitic violence has risen sharply since Hamas’s October 2023 attacks against Israel; incidents include deadly shootings at Jewish celebrations abroad as well as arrests related to Hamas-led activities within U.S borders.
NCTC Director Kent described recent tactics as part of “the new terrorist playbook,” focusing less on large-scale attacks like those seen on September 11 but rather seeking targets of opportunity.
There are currently more than 1,700 ongoing domestic terrorism investigations nationwide according to FBI testimony; arrests involving Antifa members have increased significantly this year.
Committee roundtables are examining definitional inconsistencies around domestic terrorism among federal/state authorities along with coordination gaps between agencies combating these threats.
Attacks targeting federal law enforcement agents remain a concern—recent examples include a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas resulting in deaths/injuries where ammunition labeled “ANTI-ICE” was recovered at scene—and hearings continue into how anti-law enforcement rhetoric may contribute toward increasing dangers faced by frontline personnel.
On September 11th this year Congress announced a bipartisan review examining implementation progress since recommendations issued by the original 9/11 Commission Report published July 2004; oversight continues regarding improvements made or needed within DHS since those attacks.
