The threat of “lone wolf” attacks from foreign and domestic extremists is the top security concern for public safety officials as Americans gather for Fourth of July celebrations across the country.
Federal authorities circulated a threat assessment urging police departments nationwide to be on the lookout for radicals who see the large Independence Day crowds as target-rich environments, especially for an attack similar to the ISIS-inspired assault in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
A supporter of the Islamist terrorist group killed 14 people on Bourbon Street when he mowed down revelers in his truck shortly after the ball dropped.
“Of these actors, U.S.-based violent extremists supporting [foreign terrorist organizations] and [domestic violent extremists] not linked to FTOs represent two of the most persistent threats,” said bulletins from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. “Lone offenders, in particular, remain a concern due to their ability to often avoid