Targeted violenceThe first line of defense against acts of targeted violence
Tragic events at the Boston Marathon, African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, and Pulse nightclub in Orlando remind us that ideologically motivated violent extremists pose a persistent threat to Americans of all backgrounds. Our first defense against attacks is grounded in our understanding and response to terrorism within our country. While the ideologies that support acts of targeted violence are diverse, so too are our responses and prevention activities.
Tragic events at the Boston Marathon, African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, and Pulse nightclub in Orlando remind us that ideologically motivated violent extremists pose a persistent threat to Americans of all backgrounds. Our first defense against attacks is grounded in our understanding and response to terrorism within our country. While the ideologies that support acts of targeted violence are diverse, so too are our responses and prevention activities.
Creating a terrorism prevention evidence base
Since 2010, the U.S. government has invested more than $20 million into understanding all forms of radicalization to violence, as well as effective prevention and intervention measures. Federal agencies such as the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) are at the forefront of this work. DHS engages closely with state and local organizations such as law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, anti-violence groups, mental health clinicians, and public health organizations. DHS S&T supports state and local terrorism prevention efforts by delivering scientifically rigorous and publicly available research to:
• Understand individuals’ motives both for engaging in and disengaging from violent extremism;
• Develop and support tailored interventions with local partners; and
• Evaluate the effectiveness of intervention and prevention programs.
At the earliest stage of terrorism prevention, the most effective defense is everyday involvement by community members. Those radicalizing to violence often have revealed their intent to others or have experienced a triggering event that may be apparent to friends and family[i]. Therefore, building the capacity of “gatekeepers” — the community members, teachers, religious leaders, mental health providers, and peers who may notice something is wrong — to identify and seek help for individuals radicalizing to violence is the key to early prevention. Identifying and helping individuals at this early stage has the greatest chance at preventing harm to families and communities in the U.S.
