DOMESTIC SECURITY FACT SHEET

Terrorism is not new to the United States, but the tragic scale of the September 11 attacks shocked the world. As terrible as those attacks were, there are terrorists who would try to commit even more horrible acts. One of the terrorists convicted in the first World Trade Center attack of 1993 admitted that he would kill 250,000 American civilians if he could.

Terrorist violence is committed by US citizens and foreign nationals alike. Since 1977:

ü There have been well over 3,000 terrorist attacks in the United States.

ü Terrorist groups robbed nearly 400 banks and armored cars to raise funds.

ü At least 128 terrorist groups have committed violence in the United States.

ü Estimates of the number of terrorist groups operating at any one time in the US range from 200 to 400.

While homemade bombs have been the most-often used weapon, terrorists have begun using more imaginative means of attack: jetliners used as weapons, computer hacking, and now, bio-warfare. Although recent events have focused attention on anthrax, these mail attacks were NOT the first terrorist use of bio-warfare in the US. In 1984, a domestic group in Oregon used Salmonella to taint food buffets, doorknobs, and other items to influence a local election - 751 people became ill. In 1971, a domestic eco-terrorist group was growing cultures of typhoid fever and bacterial meningitis, but were foiled by ordinary citizens notifying local law enforcement of their suspicions.

Don't try to "profile" terrorists - doing so could overlook real terrorists or lead to unfair treatment of innocent people. Foreign terrorists have used US citizens for attacks in the US. By one estimate, women make up 30% of international terrorist groups. Although most terrorists fall within a certain age range, they may be of any age. For example, in 1973 a 77-year old terrorist assassinated two Turkish diplomats in Santa Barbara, California. In 1977, a 69-year old terrorist opened fire on a crowd at the Empire State Building.

Terrorists often use ruses and disguises, such as:

ü Taxi drivers (often used as a cover and for reconnaissance)

ü Runners in jogging suits (often used in assassinations and for reconnaissance)

ü Support staff of potential targets (including security guards, wait staff, etc.). For example, hotels are often the chosen sites for assassinating diplomats, business people, and others. Terrorists often apply for work at the potential site to help them plan and carry out the attack.

ü Feigning slight injury or other low-key emergency to gain access to secured areas (such as, a woman asking to use a bathroom in a secured area to change diapers on her baby).

ü Applying for work and showing up for an interview at potential targets. While waiting for the interview, the terrorist roams the area to size-up the target, check for security measures, etc.

ü Befriending security guards to get the guards to view them as a non-threat.

ü Disguises to change their apparent sex, race, occupation or nationality.

Everyone - government, businesses, and private citizens - must be vigilant if we are to protect ourselves from violence. The Provisional IRA issued the following statement after a failed attempt to assassinate British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher:

"Today we were unlucky. But remember, we have only to be lucky once; you have to be lucky always."

What can the average person do to defend against terrorism? First, practice sound crime-prevention techniques at work and home (there are tips at www.sheriff-okaloosa.org). Second, be alert for unusual activities, such as:

ü Someone attempting to gain access to unauthorized items or areas - such as chemical storage, cargo trucks or government vehicles, or buildings and areas without proper authorization.

ü Strange or frequent comings or goings not consistent with routine practices in the area.

ü Someone carrying a weapon.

ü Someone who is concealing something about themselves or trying to "put one over on somebody" - such as someone using a disguise or fake identity cards to buy ammunition, weapons, chemicals, fertilizer or travel tickets; to rent property or vehicles; or to gain access to private or restricted areas.

ü Unusual items or activities at work - such as film processing or computer-repair employees who noticed something out of the ordinary, mail workers who notice unusual letters or packages, real estate management staff who become suspicious of renters who consistently pay in cash.

ü Suspicious mail. For example, letters or packages without a return address or from someone you don't normally correspond with, lumpy envelopes, excessive postage, mail that is addressed incorrectly, mail with excessive tape and packaging materials, packages you are not expecting, or mail that shows stains or other unusual characteristics.

ü Suspicious packages - such as boxes, cases, etc. that are left unattended in government buildings, banks, churches, airports, or public gathering places.

ü People conducting themselves in a strange manner or making unusual requests - such as someone loitering around, watching, or photographing utility stations, military areas, or other targets.

ü People who seem unusually nervous when conducting routine business or when they see a security guard or law enforcement officer.

ü Vehicles parked in unusual places next to utilities, security fences, etc.

Terrorism is successful if it makes us fearful to carry on with our daily lives. We honor the victims by denying terrorists that victory. We can beat terrorism by being vigilant.

If you see something that leads you to believe a crime is in progress or imminent (such as burglary, robbery, or assaults) dial 911. If your concerns are more general and believe the activity may be of an ongoing nature, call the Sheriff's Office at 651-7410, ext 221.

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