(TLP:CLEAR) First Responder Toolbox: Safeguarding Rail Infrastructure During Mass Gatherings

Summary: As part of their First Responder’s Toolbox series, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), DHS, and the FBI recently published a report to highlight the risk of targeted attacks against rail systems, particularly during mass gatherings for special events. WaterISAC is sharing this report for situational awareness.

Analyst Note: Although the report focuses on securing rail infrastructure, it still offers important guidance that security managers in the water and wastewater sector would find useful. It is also practical for utility employees’ personal security considerations. According to the report, foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) remain interested in attacking rail assets, and global threat actors continue to use sabotage tactics against transit targets, which might further inspire violence against them. Indeed, in February, anarchist violent extremists (AVEs) claimed responsibility for sabotaging Italy’s high-speed rail network, causing operational disruptions and impacting travelers headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Violent extremists or other threat actors may seek to emulate these attacks and target critical infrastructure, including the water sector, to disrupt upcoming major events in the U.S., such as the 2026 World Cup and America’s 250-year anniversary. Given the potential threat, water and wastewater utilities near major events are encouraged to maintain heightened vigilance and start coordinating with public safety stakeholders.

Moreover, as recently as February 2026, a pro-Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack against a rail station in Moscow that killed one police officer and wounded two others. And FTOs continue their attempts to inspire supporters to violence through terrorist propaganda. The report notes that common rail attack methods include physical attacks or disruption tactics, such arson, shunts, track obstructions, and sabotage of brake hoses, signal systems, or train car couplers.

Original Source: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/nctc-how-we-work/joint-ct-assessment-team/first-responder-toolbox/transportation/jcat-178s

Additional Reading:

• (TLP:AMBER) Federal Government and Cross-Sector ISAC Reports Highlight Multiple Threats Associated with the 2026 World Cup
• NCTC – (U//FOUO) Foreign Terrorist Threat to Critical Infrastructure Profile – Transportation: Rail and Mass Transit Subsector

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 1, 2, 3, & 4