Domestic terrorism

Prior to 9/11, an assessment of chemical plant site security by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) was considered by many to be the most comprehensive analysis that was publicly available. ATSDR researchers reviewed national statistics on domestic terrorism compiled by the FBI in 1995 and interviewed security staff from facilities and potential targets in one community with numerous chemical plants. Reviewers found the following concerns ... 

DiGiovanni, C. Domestic Terrorism with Chemical or Biological Agents Psychiatric Aspects. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(10) 1500-1505, 1999... 

DiGiovanni, C., Domestic terrorism with chemical or biological agents psychiatric aspects. Am. J. Psychiatry, 156, 1500, 1999. 

CNN (2004). Cyanide arsenal stirs domestic terror fear. CNN News, January 30. (www.cnn.com/ 2004/US/southwest/01/30/cyanide.probe.ap/idex. html). 

In 1986, National Security Decision Directive 207 was released, which highlighted the need for a coordinated, centrally managed approach to combat terrorism. It also reaffirmed federal agencies roles and responsibilities under the auspices of the National Security Council. The Department of State was responsible for coordinating the national response to international terrorism while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Department of Justice was responsible for domestic terrorism."... 

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for State and Lxrcal Domestic Preparedness Support Report to Congress, Responding to Incidents of Domestic Terrorism Assessing the Needs of State and Local Jurisdictions, Washington DC, 1999. 

Sarin Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subway (20 March 1995) Public Transit (Rail) The 20 March 1995 attack was an act of domestic terrorism in Japan perpetrated by members of Aum Shinrikyo (a Japanese religious cult). In five coordinated attacks, the conspirators released sarin gas on several lines of the Tokyo Metro, killing 12 people, severely injuring 50, and causing temporary vision problems for nearly a thousand others. 

This report describes current civilian capabilities as well as ongoing and planned research and development (R D) programs. It identifies some areas in which innovative R D is clearly needed and assesses current R D work for its applicability to coping with domestic terrorism. 

This is an example of domestic terrorism, and it could happen in almost any community. Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used in agriculture, in the refrigeration industry, and in fertilizer production. It is also used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, so it is commonly in the possession of criminals. Anhydrous ammonia is extremely caustic to the eyes and respiratory system. People with respiratory disease are especially in danger from this chemical. 

Domestic terrorism — The unlawful use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States or Puerto Rico without foreign direction 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. 

The energy sector views threat analysis broadly, to encompass natural events, criminal acts, insider threats, and foreign and domestic terrorism. Natural events are typically addressed as part of emergency response and business continuity planning. 

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