U.S. Department of Homeland Security Warns of High Terrorism Threat Environment
By Bethany Blankley (The Center Square)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment has raised concerns about the high terrorism threat environment in the United States. The report highlights various factors contributing to this elevated threat level, including potential violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments, particularly during the 2024 election cycle, and international events such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The assessment emphasizes that lone offenders and small groups continue to pose the greatest threat, while foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al Qa’ida maintain their intent to conduct or inspire attacks within the United States.
DHS officials are particularly concerned about both domestic and foreign violent extremists who may exploit the U.S. November election or the Israel-Hamas conflict to incite or justify attacks in the country. The report underscores the continued threat posed by lone offenders and small groups who could carry out attacks with minimal warning.
Looking ahead to 2025, the report predicts a high risk of violence from U.S.-based violent extremists, including domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and homegrown violent extremists inspired by foreign terrorist organizations. The assessment highlights past incidents of attacks by DVEs and HVEs and emphasizes the need for vigilance in preventing future threats.
The report also mentions the targeting of various communities by violent extremists following the Israel-Hamas conflict, with a focus on faith-based organizations. It warns of potential attacks against Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Arab communities in the United States.
Furthermore, the assessment evaluates threats related to terrorism, immigration system strains, transnational organized crime, cyber threats, and geopolitical competition. It raises concerns about state actors using subversive tactics to influence and divide the American public, with a specific focus on the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The report notes that the 2024 election cycle is likely to be a target for adversaries seeking to undermine U.S. institutions. It highlights instances of hacking and assassination attempts related to the election cycle, signaling a need for heightened security measures.
In addition, the assessment warns of threats to critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries, including cyber and physical attacks. It singles out China, Russia, and Iran as the most pressing foreign threats to U.S. critical infrastructure.
In conclusion, the report underscores the ongoing economic security threat posed by China, highlighting the country’s aggressive policies and theft of U.S. intellectual property. It emphasizes the vulnerability of supply chains to foreign manipulation and the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding national security.
This assessment comes at a time of heightened security concerns in the United States, with the government and law enforcement agencies working diligently to address and mitigate potential threats to national security.
