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Murderous Terror

Murderous Terror. Higgins O’Brien Spring 2012. The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective”.

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Murderous Terror

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  1. Murderous Terror Higgins O’Brien Spring 2012

  2. The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective”. • Hate homicide and acts of terror are closely related, with the line between them not always clear • Often random and symbolic

  3. International Terrorism • The al Qaeda attack on the World Trade Center towers resulted in some 3,000 deaths, with victims from 78 different nations • Following the attacks of Sept. 11th, the United States initiated Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and expanded federal powers under the Patriot Act • 80% of Americans expressed willingness to forfeit certain freedoms for the sake of security • Currently U.S. forces are still in the region, and a modified version of the Patriot Act remains in force

  4. Homegrown Terrorism • 2/3 of all terrorist attacks in the United States are perpetrated by citizens inside the country • Offenders have a grudge against the government, a group of people, or all of humankind • Feel frustrated and powerless to change society • Have utopian beliefs about the world • Socially isolated, and willing to kill The Unabomber Timothy Mcveigh Derrick Shareef

  5. Prison as a Terrorist Recruiting Center and American Muslims • As of 2010, there are more than 300 terrorists in U.S. federal prisons • Some are concerned about a growing terrorist inmate population, and the prevalence of Islam in prisons • Inmates can receive training/guidance from others * However it is a mistake to assume American Muslims will side with radical religious fringe groups * In contrast to Europe, many Muslims have integrated with high salary jobs and higher education in the U.S

  6. Left Wing vs. Right Wing Terrorists • In the 1960's-1980's most domestic terrorism came from political extremists on the left • Marxist-communists • Socialists • Puerto Rican Nationalists • These individuals tended to be young, well educated, upper-middle class, and from urban areas • Many were African and Latino Americans, and about 1/3 were women

  7. Left Wing vs. Right Wing Terrorists Continued • Since the mid-1980's most cases of domestic terrorism have been for right wing extremist causes • White Supremacy • Against a communist controlled government • These individuals tend to be middle aged white males, lacking a college degree, and likely to be unemployed • Against minority rights • Survivalists who withdraw from conventional society • “Christian Identity”, a theological basis that believes white Christians are superior to others

  8. Left Wing vs. Right Wing Terrorists Continued • Reasons for why the extremist right was invigorated in recent years • Federal Gun Control Legislation • ATF agents accidently kill a white supremacists' pregnant wife and young son (Randy Weaver) • FBI siege on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX • Militia's feel threatened by government, and there tends to be overlap between these groups and hate groups

  9. Single Issue Terrorism • Do not have a broad ideological position, but are against a particular “evil” they see in society • Environmental Pollution • Animal Abuse • Genetic Engineering • Abortion • Company Policies • Often cause millions of dollars in property damage, but have also been responsible for murder

  10. The Impact of Murderous Terror • Terror attacks are complex, it is difficult to address all of the problems involved • Offenders are motivated for a variety of issues • The fighting between Palestine and Israel is evidence that certain groups do not want peace • The 9/11 attacks have had a profound impact on the United States • Emotionally • Financially • Culturally • Determining Future Policy

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