Domestic Terrorism in the United States

By Alex Young

The United States of America is located on the North American continent between the countries of Canada and Mexico. The United States plays a key role in global economics and has a strong influence over many international elements. Americans are ingrained with a belief of independence and a right to live however they choose unabated. Started as a democratic experiment the United States has a unique history of resolving many problems without violence, however it's not without those individuals who felt sedition was the only viable option. With the rise of the media in the mid-twentieth century modern domestic terrorism found a foothold. More recently the invention and spread of the Internet has allowed individuals and groups to contact, organize, and spread their objectives through websites and forums attracting more people to their causes. Domestic terrorism in the United States can be described mostly as a reaction to by-products of capitalism and an increase in government encroachment on daily lives. Only through communication, cooperation, and coordination between those trying to prevent domestic terrorism will we succeed.

            There are a variety of groups in the United States who employ terror as a weapon. These organizations attempt to affect policy and behavior through extreme force and intimidation. The three main categories of terrorism, as defined by the FBI, are left-wing, right-wing, and special interest[i].  Domestic terrorism is a relatively new occurrence within the United States having roots in post-civil war reconstrution with the Ku Klux Klan but only really being used as a catalyst of change starting in the 1960's.[ii] As contemporary media grew more influential so also did the influence of domestic terrorism[iii]. Left-wing groups began to rise to prominence as the first major category of domestic terrorists. Groups like the Symbionese Liberation Army, Weather Underground, and Black Panthers took advantage of the attention their wild actions gave them to further their causes. Modern domestic terrorism is born. Right-wing extremism began to make a come back with the appearance of groups such as the American Nazi Party( and other “Aryan” groups), White Patriot Party, and the Christian Identity Movement. The “Turner Diaries”, a racist novel, written in 1979 became the “bible” for right-wing extremism and is said to even had inspired Timothy McVeigh’s attack in Oklahoma City. Most recently special-interest groups have caught attention of the media and the FBI, adopting terror as their modus operandi.[iv] As its moniker denotes, special-interest terrorism is focused on one area or interest. Rooted in causes such as envrionmentalism, animal-rights, and anti-globalization special-interest domestic terrorist is currently the dominant threat to the United States today. “The FBI estimates that the ALF/ELF have committed more than 600 criminal acts in the United States since 1996, resulting in damages in excess of 43 million dollars”[v]. The history of the United States relationship with domestic terrorismcan be described as a dynamic phenomanon. Tactics have escalated on both sides over the years in what may be summarized as a push-shove exchange. As the threat of domestic terrorism grew so did the response from the United States government. With the initiation of CONPLAN, an inter-agency effort against terrorism, the FBI was designated the lead agency in investigations. Many lessons have been learned over the years on facing domestic terrorism. Most importantly, relying on assumptions from historical experience and statistics is a constriction on the effort against terror.[vi]

A.L.F.(Animal Liberation Front) is an extremist animal rights group who have resorted to using bombs and other incendiary devices to intimidate and coerce institutions to stop animal testing. Founded in Britain in the 1970s the movement shifted over to and gained popularity in the United States in the late 70s. The main goal of ALF is “to abolish institutionalized animal exploitation because it assumes that animals are property.”[vii] Initially praised in the media for successful animal rescues and strict adherence to non-violence towards people, glamorization of the movement attracted anarchists who were less concerned with preserving the non-violence ideal. Because there is no traditional heirarchal structure in the ALF efforts to intercept attacks have been mostly unsuccessful. Other pro-animal organizations, such as PETA, frequently endorse the clandestine “direct-action” efforts of ALF. President of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk is quoted praising ALF activists for being “smart enough to know that they need to fight another day. They don't want to be recognized by law enforcement." ALF is one of the most active groups in the history of American domestic terrorism. “Estimates of damage and destruction in the United States claimed by the ALF during the past ten years ... [are] at more than 45 million dollars.” Critics charge that because ALF has not inflicted any casualties in its campaign classifying it as a terroristic organization is unfounded. According to the FBI’s definition, domestic terrorism “… is the unlawful use, or threatened use, of violence by a group or individual… committed against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”  Although this organization has adopted a policy of not harming animals (including humans) the rhetoric of ALF and similar organizations has grown more violent over the years suggesting a shift in tactics.[viii] “[John Lewis,Deputy assistant director of the FBI]  cited a remark by one ALF supporter that if people who kill animals can be stopped only by violence, then it is morally justifiable”[ix] “Those who closely monitor groups like ALF say such targeting is on the increase -- and has gotten very personal.”[x]

 SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty), an international animal-rights group, is another “direct-action” group focused on halting laboratory testing of animals. Formed after a documentary appeared on BBC highlighing abuse to animals by Huntingdon Life Sciences(HLS), SHAC adopted the leaderless resistence model to shut down HLS. SHAC, initially a UK organization, has grown in popularity amongst more action oriented animal-rights activists in the United States.[xi] SHAC has taken a novel approach to achieving its goals by not only attacking HLS head on but also harrassing and attacking known affilliates including “…employees, customers, suppliers, and financial backers.”[xii] HLS and other animal testing facilities fought back by lobbying for an increase in repercussions for those in violation of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act. Kevin Kjonaas(president of SHAC), along with six other members were arrested “…on federal charges that they had orchestrated an interstate campaign of terrorism and intimidation in violation of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act.”[xiii]  Along with acts of vandalism, arson and firebombing are popular among this group of extremists.  The FBI currently ranks this group along with other radicalists as the number one threat to the United States. “There is nothing else going on in this country, over the last several years, that is racking up the high number of violent crimes and terrorist actions, arsons, etc, that this particular area of domestic terrorism has caused,"[xiv]

            The Earth Liberation Front is a radical environmental group which uses a variety of methods to force others to meet their objective of stopping exploitation of the environment. Environmental groups began appearing in the late 70s and early 80s. EarthFirst! was a popular organization that started to fight against what environmental extremists perceived as dangerous to “mother nature”. As a response to criticism in the early 90s “…EarthFirst! members began to ponder a more moderate approach. This did not sit well with radicals, who left to found the ELF in Brighton, England, in 1992.”[xv] ELF routinely sabotages equipment used for deforestation while also “spiking” trees which involves metal stakes placed in tree trunks to deter use of chainsaws. ELF appeared in the national news for the first time when in 1998 ELF members set fire to a Colorado ski resort resulting in “… [what] was the most destructive act known to be committed by environmental activists in U.S. history, leaving… Two Elk Lodge and seven other buildings in cinders and causing at least $12 million in damages.”[xvi] One of the more high profile members of the radical environmental movement was Theodore Kaczynski. Targets are growing increasingly larger as well as methods used such as the 2003 burning of the 206-unite condominium in San Diego[xvii]. As in the past, more radical members of ELF could potentially break off to form their own group with escalated means of achieving their objective.

Most widely recognized as domestic terrorism is the right-winged movement of citizen militias, hate groups, and religious fanatics. The Ku Klux Klan and its offshoots are among the oldest domestic terrorist groups in the United States. These groups maintain hatred towards whoever they deem un pure, savagely beating those who are unfortunate enough to be in close proximity[xviii]. However the structure of these groups isolates them from real influence or power.   The Army of God is a typical “Christian terrorist” group with a focus on eliminating abortion clinics in the United States. Eric Robert Rudolph, an advocate of Army of God, sent bombs to abortion clinics and other institutes around the country. In 1996 Rudolph placed a bomb in the Atlanta Olympics killing 2 and injuring 111. In 1992 Randy Weaver and his family fortified themselves inside their home with a multitude of federal agents outside. The resulting confrontation faired badly ending with Weavers son and wife shot and killed. In 1993 when federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at the Davidian Ranch near Waco, Tx, the inhabitants resisted resulting in a 51 day siege ending in a fire that claimed seventy-six lives. Two years later Timothy McVeigh cited these two incidents as justification for the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma. After the Oklahoma city bombing aggressive investigations and intelligent policy by the FBI crippled many right-wing organizations. However, recently, due in part to the Internet, these groups have seen a spike in popularity. “These "new" militia groups operate more quietly and train more intensely than their 1990s counterparts, and have new, post-September 11 versions of the "New World Order" conspiracy theories that motivated their predecessors.”[xix] Customarily this category of domestic terrorism contains exceedingly violent groups. A recently foiled plot to assassinate Barack Obama hints at the revitalization of the right-wing movement. “They are extremely violent, have no reservations about killing, spawn successor generations, and are often oriented toward specific political issues”[xx]

            Since 1972, 3,292 Americans have been killed in the United States from terror attacks by Muslim-Americans[xxi], including the 9/11 hijacking and the 1999 plane crash. These fanatics justify their aggression through strict adherence to their religion and what they believe to be a jihad, or holy war. Although it's important to realize the majority of Muslim-Americans are peaceful citizens, they can not be ruled as non-potential threats. Groups such as Muslims of the Americas represent a growing threat. “Muslims of the Americas (MOA) is a virulently anti-Semitic, Islamic extremist group with ties to Al-Fuqra, a terrorist organization that has carried out firebombings and murders in the United States.”[xxii] Jama`at al-Fuqara', a group mostly unknown to the public, advocates “…the purification of the Islamic religion by means of force and violence.” The precarious part of keeping intelligence on Muslim-Americans is the capricious nature of Islam. Islamic fundamentalism itself frequently clashes with secular, democratic nations. These conflicts could potentially manifest itself in the form of domestic terrorism.

            Autonomous individuals, or “lone wolfs” of domestic terrorism are becoming increasingly dangerous. Domestic terrorism is less a group effort than it used to be. The “lone-wolf” is replacing the hierarchal structure of past domestic terrorism and replacing it with leaderless resistance. “The whole style of this kind of organization designed is to evade law enforcement,"[xxiii] Lone wolfs are embracing causes spawned by groups who may live a great distance away. Eric Robert Rudolph adopted this tactic of “leaderless resistance” which allowed him to proceed with Centennial Olympic Park bombing. John Allen Muhammad, the beltway sniper, also adopted this stratagem. With the increase of available information over the Internet more and more individuals are taking up causes on their own accord. The Internet allows for groups to recruit individuals trans-nationally, making the lone wolf a very serious threat for the twenty-first century.

            The United States faces many challenges in the form of domestic terrorism. There are currently a variety of groups on homeland soil that pose these challenges. ALF has captured much attention in the last few years as a very real threat. SHAC has taken its goals to more extreme levels including inflicting injury to those who are perceived as opposition. The radical environmental group ELF has also risen to the limelight in recent years as a serious threat. The old movement of right-winged domestic terrorism is being revitalized as more people are being exposed to extreme ideals and beliefs. Muslim-Americans pose a genuine threat to others. An increase in information on the Internet has made the lone wolf terrorist a much more serious danger. More threats to the United States arise every day. Only with focus and a sustained effort will these threats be curbed.       

 The United States response to domestic terrorism must in some ways mimic domestic terrorism itself. Domestic terrorism is constantly evolving; it remains unconventional. Employing conventional means to solve an unconventional problem is ineffective. Many domestic terrorist cells present the challenge of leaderless resistance. Law enforcement agencies at the federal level are disconnected from the problems at the local level. The inclusion of local law enforcement agencies to incidents is the first step towards producing autonomous communities fully capable of deterring attacks. In an age of information many agencies are left in the dark when it comes to vital data. Creation of a national network with up to date information on all known and suspected terrorist groups provides an invaluable resource to these agencies. In the event of a massive attack on the United States chaos will grip many emergency responders(ie the 2003 blackout of the northeast). In order to maximize efficient use of resources a universal plan should be provided to synchronize efforts among different agencies. Innovative measures must be taken to keep pace with domestic terrorism.

 The United States economy is an important tool in the effort against terrorism. In order to effectively utilize the United States economy to combat domestic terrorism measures must be taken to ensure a healthy economy. In addition to supplying resources to curb terrorism a shift in capital will strengthen American infrastructure. Re-distributing funds to build and support communities will provide an excellent base for citizens to become more involved in preventing domestic terrorism. Outsourcing counter-terrorism projects to the private sector will not only provide an incentive for more active participation of corporations but also taps into a larger pool of resources. Corporations such as RAND exemplify the private sectors participation in national security.  Equipping agencies on all levels with necessary basic materials is a staple in the effort to combat domestic terrorism. Capitalism is a vital system of the United States that, if used properly, can be a very effective machine in the war on terror.

Political action espoused with anti-terrorist advocates is a valuable resource in the effort against domestic terrorism. Support for inter-agency projects and a unified national system for the exchange of information is essential. Having a free and open political system plays an important role in curbing domestic terrorism. “…[G]ood governance and political responsiveness to citizens are fundamental deterrents of terrorism”.[xxiv] Fear through ignorance has sparked much anger in the right-wing of domestic terrorism. “Seven of every 10 children in the juvenile justice system nationwide have some kind of educational disability.”[xxv] Enacting educational programs to combat ignorance will help alleviate anxieties for the next generation, consequently reducing hate motivated crimes.[xxvi]

 By empowering local agencies and citizens we are providing a means to more effectively reduce domestic terrorism. Because most domestic terrorists act fairly close to home[xxvii]  a local effort could provide valuable intelligence and provide a jump start on any investigation. Inter-agency cooperation, such as the CONPLAN, will allow for a pooling of resources making investigations more effective. Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) provide an excellent model for cooperation on a local and federal level. After a period of time of sustained cooperation more inter-agency efforts can be made such as a universal action plan.. In the event of an unforeseen catastrophic event every agency will be synchronized with joint efforts to mitigate extensive damage while simultaneously existing autonomously and completely capable of carrying out each assigned task. A bottom-up approach to increasing national security is indispensable to countering domestic terrorism. Supplying first-responders with the information needed to respond quickly and effectively through joint efforts has the potential to greatly reduce damages.

Effective utilization of the economy, intelligent legislation, and collective participation in joint efforts by multiple agencies lays the foundation for effective counter-terrorism. Right-winged domestic terrorists are on the rise and should be watched carefully. Dynamic groups of domestic terrorism, such as ALF and ELF, have made conventional efforts obsolete, requiring a change in policy. Old systems of law enforcement are not as effective as they once were and should be amended with the approach of bottom-up framework. The notion that domestic terrorism is the federal governments’ responsibility needs to be revised. Inclusion of state governments and the private sector is a step towards enhancing readiness and engaging domestic terrorism on a new front. With innovation as the key focus, effective new systems will emerge to eliminate domestic terrorism.