No Evidence to Suggest Toronto Attacker Had Connection to the Islamic State, Despite Group’s Claim of Responsibility
Two people were killed and 13 others were injured when a gunman opened fire last Sunday on a busy Toronto street.
General Security and Resilience
Female HVEs Likely to Play Supportive Role for the Islamic State
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) has published an infographic examining the role of female homegrown violent extremists in Islamic State plots. From its review of 13 incidents involving such persons, NJOHSP concludes they are likely to provide material support, to include participating in fundraising and issuing threatening rhetoric online.
When Criminals Become Terrorists: Declassified Report Reveals How Canadians Move to Terrorism
According to a declassified Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report, about a quarter of Canadians involved in terrorist activity have criminal histories. The individuals “engaged in a wide spectrum of illicity acitivities,” the most common of which were low-level crimes and assaults.
U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Terror Threat Snapshot: July 2018
The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee has publishes its Terror Threat Snapshot for July 2018. It indicates that there have been 154 cases of homegrown jihadist cases in the U.S. since 2013. As with other snapshots, it details news and other developments regarding counterterrorism efforts, including disrupted terror plots and judicial cases involving suspected and convicted terrorists.
Why Terrorists Quit Terrorism
The author of a recently released book on how some terrorists disengage from terrorism presents some of the key findings from her research in an article in The Washington Post. Referencing the series of deadly terrorist attacks committed by families in Indonesia in mid-May, she notes that an individual’s immersion in a social network committed to the use of violence can be key to someone remaining an unrepentant terrorist. With the powerful and persistent influence that these situations provide, the decision to adopt a radicalized mindset might not even be consciously made.
Recognizing the Signs of Terrorism-Related Suspicious Activity
As part of its “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published an infographic depicting the signs of terrorism-related suspicious activity. These activities include photography/surveillance, breach/attempted intrusion, and information elicitation, among numerous others.
Former Clearance Holders Targeted by Foreign Intelligence Services
The FBI has released a report highlighting the threat posed by hostile foreign intelligence services to former U.S. government clearance holders as evidenced by the recent arrests of three ex-members of the U.S. intelligence community on espionage charges. The report notes that foreign intelligence officers primarily use two methods to approach former clearance holders: 1) via professional networking websites and 2) by contacting former clearance holders who reside in or regularly travel to their countries. Recent cyber intrusions into U.S.
New AWWA DVD - Emergency Preparedness and Response for Water Utilities
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has developed a DVD that covers key emergency preparedness requirements to help water utilities establish an acceptable level of emergency preparedness based on both identified and perceived risks. The video is broken down into eight main requirements for emergency planning - Commitment to Preparedness, Culture of Preparedness, Defined Roles and Responsibilities, Risk Assessment, Preparedness Plans, Communications, Training, and Partnerships - and includes interviews with utilities that are investing resources to plan for potential emergencies.
EPA Webinar – Analysis of Online Water Quality Data (Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)
On August 14, EPA will conduct a webinar comprised of two presentations. The first presentation will describe methods for conducting an exploratory analysis of historical water quality data collected from a water distribution system using online monitoring instruments. The purpose of an exploratory analysis is to characterize normal baseline conditions and identify the causes of normal changes in distribution system water quality at monitored locations.
Resources for Launching a Drone Program to Assist with Response
The Justice Technology Information Center (JTIC), a program of the U.S. Department of Justice, has added a range of information and resources on how response agencies use drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to its website. The site lists uses of UAS in public safety and presents several success stories from around the country.
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