On Memorial Day, law enforcement responded to anonymous phoned-in threats against at least ten US inbound and outbound flights, prompting the military in one case to scramble a pair of F-15 fighter jets to escort an Air France flight to JFK Airport. Authorities searched several planes for chemical weapons and the like, but they found nothing. Reuters reported that the holiday threats were all made by the same caller:
Among the theories under investigation were that the threats may have been the work of a troublemaker or mentally disturbed individual or an effort by an individual or group to test how U.S. agencies respond to such threats, officials said.
Then yesterday, a caller or callers made threats against three more US-bound flights–one bound for LAX and two that were bound for San Francisco International Airport. All three flights landed safely, and it was determined in all these flights that there was no credible threat. The FBI is leading the investigations into these threats.
On the heels of this came word from Fox News yesterday of a Joint Intelligence Bulletin by the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCC) that was released on May 21st, right before the holiday weekend. The bulletin warned of a “heightened threat environment,” reminding law enforcement, the military, federal employees, and private sector security workers to “remain vigilant during upcoming national holidays and military events due to the heightened threat of attacks” by ISIL/ISIS and its supporters.
The bulletin also addressed the growing reach of social media that terror groups use as a tool to recruit others for their unholy cause. From Fox News:
While the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have given generic warnings in the past, this bulletin spelled out the heightened chatter and advised precautions that should be taken. The list of “observable behaviors” also points to so-called insider threats, and warns about individuals asking “unusual questions” about building maintenance or security procedures…
“The large number of social media postings by US-based ISIL supporters is challenging for investigators in differentiating those supporters focused only on promoting pro-ISIL rhetoric, which may be protected speech, vice [versus] detecting those prepared to engage in violence on the group’s behalf,” the bulletin said.
The bulletin warned the “reach and popularity” of social media platforms has made it easier for U.S.-based extremists to “identify and connect” with foreign terrorist organizations, which can “potentially direct” them. It said the FBI estimates there are “hundreds, possibly thousands” of people in the U.S. getting “recruitment overtures or directives to attack the United States,” and ISIS is using social media in “unprecedented ways” to send messages advocating attacks in the U.S.
The mention of “observable behaviors” is an important one. No one wants to think that threats could come from within, but as we learned in the case of the 2009 Fort Hood act of terror, we know that this is an unfortunate and ominous possibility. It’s sad that we have to live in an age where terrorism is an ongoing threat lurking who knows where. But we can’t pretend that it isn’t a matter of fact. It is there.
It is here.
As quoted above, it is possible that the threats to the flights this week could have been made by simple pranksters, but it is also possible that the calls were made by people who want to test our security responses. The bulletin and the threats to travelers should remind us all–not just our protectors–of how vital it is that we do not fall asleep. Those who wish us dead, those who despise us for the freedoms we can exercise, do not sleep.
Perhaps there will be a day when we will no longer have to be concerned over such villainous, murderous bastards. But we will only be able to feel more secure when we decide to take the fight to them in earnest and wipe them from the face of the earth. It doesn’t seem like that will be happening anytime soon.
So in the meantime, hands off that snooze button, Americans. Be safe, be aware, and be vigilant. The sentiment goes especially to those who work day and night to protect and defend United States citizens. We are most grateful for your diligence.
