Domestic Terrorism: A Personal and Very Local Issue

Domestic Terrorism: A Personal and Very Local Issue
Session 13

What is terrorism? Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Terms
The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.

What is terrorism? 22 USC §38 ¶2656f(d)
(1) the term “international terrorism” means terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than 1 country; (2) the term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents; (3) the term “terrorist group” means any group, or which has significant subgroups which practice, international terrorism; (4) the terms “territory” and “territory of the country” mean the land, waters, and airspace of the country;

What is terrorism? Code of Federal Regulations (28 C.F.R. Section 0.85) as “the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”

What is terrorism? Public Law 107-56 ‘Patriot Act’ of 2001
‘‘(iv) ENGAGE IN TERRORIST ACTIVITY DEFINED.— As used in this chapter, the term ‘engage in terrorist activity’ means, in an individual capacity or as a member of an organization— ‘‘(I) to commit or to incite to commit, under circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily injury, a terrorist activity; ‘‘(II) to prepare or plan a terrorist activity;

What is terrorism? FBI definitions ( ) Domestic terrorism is 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.

What is terrorism? FBI definitions ( ) International terrorism involves violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the US or any state, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the US or any state. They are intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping. International terrorist acts occur outside the US or transcend national boundaries in terms of the means by which they are accomplished, the persons they appear intended to coerce or intimidate, or the locale in which their perpetrators operate or seek asylum.

What is terrorism? FBI definitions ( ) A terrorist incident is a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. A terrorism prevention is a documented instance in which a violent act by a known or suspected terrorist group or individual with the means and a proven propensity for violence is successfully interdicted through investigative activity.

Domestic Terrorist Incidents (http://www. fbi
Six acts of Vandalism and Arson by Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and Animal Liberation Front (ALF): Erie, Harborcreek, and Warren, Pennsylvania (March-November 2002) March 18, 2002, heavy equipment used to clear trees at a construction site in Erie, spray painted with the statements “ELF, in the protection of mother earth,” and “Stop Deforestation.” March 24, 2002, at the same construction site, a large hydraulic crane set on fire, causing approximately $500,000 in damage August 11, 2002, arson on the U.S. Forestry Scientific Laboratory in Warren, Pennsylvania May and September 2002, unknown subjects released approximately 250 mink from a fur farm in Harborcreek, PA. November 26, 2002, the barn on the same Harborcreek fur farm.

Who are home-grown terrorists?
Judith Bruey William Joseph Krar

William Joseph Krar & Judith Bruey
William Joseph Krar, 62 years old—militia activist, gunsmith and weapons dealer Judith L. Bruey, 54 years old—business partner Long association with militia movement and history of surveillance by FBI Used ‘International Development Corporation (IDC) America’ as a front for gun-dealing 10 April 2003—Self-storage facilities raided by Federal Agents in vicinity of Tyler, TX Included homemade hydrogen cyanide device: 800 gm hydrogen cyanide and glass vials of hydrochloric, nitric and acetic acid Large quantities of guns and ammunition

Linked to 24 January 2002 erroneous UPS delivery to Staten Island, NY of forged ID documents ND birth certificate for “Anthony Louis Brach” Social Security Card and VT birth certificate for “Michael E. Brooks” WV birth certificate for “Joseph A. Curry” Defense Intelligence Agency and U.N. Multinational Force Observer IDs Addressed to Edward S. Feltus, Old Bridge, NJ from Krar in Tyler, TX Receiver gave them to UPS for investigation

Accomplice Edward S. Feltus, 56 years old Employee of Monmouth County (NJ) Department of Human Services Associated with ‘militia movement’ Claimed documents were for him “to travel freely in US”

Judith Bruey William Joseph Krar

Disposition of Case: Plea bargain

Michael Crooker Theodore Kaczynski

Michael Crooker Convicted felon
Arrested for possession of a firearm (air-rifle silencer) and chemical toxins (ricin and plant materials) Tried and sentenced to 22 year term on firearms charge (possession by a convicted felon) in 2006 Overturned by First Circuit Court of Appeals, June 2010

Michael Crooker: Indictment from 2008 http://boston. fbi
A convicted felon and drug user In June 2004, possessed the toxins ricin and abrin in the form of castor beans and rosary peas, respectively, that is, “in its naturally occurring environment, that had not been extracted from its natural source” with intent to extract the toxins and use them as weapons. Also possessed a quantity of ricin that had been processed, and was recovered in August 2004.

Michael Crooker: Indictment from 2008
Wrote letters in July 2004 to a local newspaper and another to an Assistant United States Attorney, threatening to transfer the toxins to another and to launch a WMD attack on the federal building in Springfield Possession of toxin by a “restricted person.” Possession of toxin without proper registration, and possession of a toxin of a type and quantity not justified by research or other peaceful purpose.

Timothy McVeigh

An undated photo of Daniel Andreas San Diego, used by the F.B.I. on their Most Wanted poster.

Daniel Andreas San Diego
On FBI Most Wanted List Indicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, in July of 2004. Alleged involvement in the bombing of two office buildings in the San Francisco, CA, area. On August 28, 2003, two bombs exploded approximately one hour apart at the Chiron Corporation in Emeryville. On September 26, 2003, one bomb strapped with nails exploded at the Shaklee Corporation in Pleasanton.

At time of arrest in 2002 in Lackawanna, NY. Upper row: Mukhtar al-Bakri, 22; Faysal Galab, 26; Sahim Alwan, 29; Lower row: Yahya Goba, 25; Shafal Mosed, 24; Yasein Taher, 25. At right: Jaber Elbaneh (captured subsequently in Yemen).

“Lackawanna Six” Yemeni-American childhood friends
Attended Al-Qaeda training camp together in Afghanistan in Spring 2001 Guilty pleas (“plea-bargain”) to single count of "providing support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization“ Yahya Goba and Mukhtar al-Bakri: 10 yr prison sentences Yaseinn Taher and Shafal Mosed: 8 yr prison sentences Sahim Alwan: 9 ½ yr prison sentence Faysal Galab: 7 yr prison sentence

James Gonzalo Medina, 40, of Hollywood, Florida, was charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a potential life prison sentence. Department of Justice documents state that he told an FBI informant in the run-up to the would-be attack, “I feel that I'm doing it for a good cause for Allah." As he appeared in court for the first time, Medina, a Muslim convert, also introduced himself as James Muhammad. Arrested May 2, 2016

Washington Post July 5, 2016 “When Mohamed Bailor Jalloh walked into the Blue Ridge Arsenal gun store and indoor target range in Chantilly, Va., on Friday to purchase a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle, he had no idea that his every move was being monitored by the FBI… Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia National Guard, was arrested Sunday and accused in federal court of plotting a domestic terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State, authorities announced Tuesday.” Naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone

Characteristics of Domestic Terrorists: Criminology and Psychology
Laurence Miller, The terrorist mind (parts 1 and 2), Int. J. Offender Therapy and Compar. Criminol. 50 (2006) & REVIEW PAPERS Motivations: Broad political and religious spectrum but a focus on victimization and/or injustice Models include progression (e.g., Borum, July 2003 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, pp. 7-10) Stage 1: “It’s not right.” Stage 2: “It’s not fair.” Stage 3: “ It’s their fault.” Stage 4: “They’re evil.”

Characteristics of Domestic Terrorists: Criminology and Psychology (Miller, The terrorist mind (parts 1 and 2), Int. J. Offender Therapy and Compar. Criminol. 2006) Stage 1: “It’s not right.” Identification of conditions (often personal) that are unpleasant, undesirable or unacceptable These conditions typically perceived as source of personal discomfort, confusion or distress Conditions may include poverty, political ideology, religious convictions or other core beliefs May be shared with a group

Stage 2: “It’s not fair.” A comparison with others creates polarized (‘us versus them’) perspective ‘Our’ problems are through no fault of our own ‘Their’ superior status is through no merit of their own Resentment grows Search for cause(s) of injustice

Stage 3: “ It’s their fault.” Cause of injustice attributed explicitly to homogenized and stereotyped ‘them’ Out-group, alien culture, ‘foreigners’, violators of core beliefs, etc. Belief that ‘they’ are the cause of all ‘our’ problems

Stage 4: “They’re evil.” Demonization and dehumanization of ‘them’ Aggressive actions against ‘them’ justified Actions against ‘them’ equated to noble acts Self-righteous entitlement to destroy ‘them’ Insensitivity to collateral damage and deaths of innocent by-standers

Terrorist Typologies Hacker (1976): Crusaders, Criminals and Crazies
Crusaders: ideologically driven (e.g., neo-Nazis and Jihadists) Criminals: violent individuals using an ostensibly acceptable or noble cause to express antisocial behavior (e.g., ‘anarchists’ at G-20) Crazies: Mentally ill individuals

Terrorist Typologies: Common Features
Ideologically driven-charismatic leader Acolytes drawn to group goals and ideals ‘Dirty work’ operators motivate by thrill, profit or personal motives

Terrorist Typologies Strenz (1988): Personalities and roles of group members in emerging U.S. and international groups Leaders Activist-operators Idealists

Terrorist Typologies (Strenz)
Leaders: Egocentric sense of reality as web of plots and conspiracies May extend into paranoia Projects charismatic and self-confident persona Often messianic or utopian overtones

Activist-operator: Often antisocial or psychopathic personalities Frequently former/current mercenaries or habitual criminals with long records Often recruited by leader from prison population Occupy spotlight while leader behind the scenes Enjoy violent and hedonistic lifestyle; perceived power from being organizational ‘muscle’ Little or no ideological commitment

Idealists: Ideological dedication to improve the world Willingness for self-sacrifice Start in routine maintenance positions; work their way up in responsibility Often desperate, dependent young people

Terrorist Typologies (US Secret Service)
Crusading terrorists: Political or religious motivation—includes animal rights and eco-terrorism Ultraconservative political terrorists: Individual rights paramount; includes militias Ultraleft political anarchists : Reject government as racist, elitist and oppressive Religious terrorists: Includes anti-abortion terror and jihadism Criminal terrorists: Opportunists acting for personal gain

Personality in Terrorist Organizations (Miller) & DSM-4 Definitions
Leaders Narcissistic Personality: a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Paranoid Personality: a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness such that others' motives are interpreted as malevolent.

True Believers and Unstable Deceivers Borderline Personality: a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity. Antisocial Personality: a pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others.

Good Soldiers and Worker Bees Avoidant Personality: a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Dependent Personality: pattern of submissive and clinging behavior related to an excessive need to be taken care of.

Limelight-seekers and Loose Cannons Histrionic Personality: a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking. Schizoid/Schizotypal Personalities: a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression / pattern of acute discomfort in close relationships, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentricities of behavior.

Profiling Domestic Terrorists?
Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor, Profiling terrorists, J. Police Crisis Negotiations, 7 (2007) 27-61 Can we use ‘profiling’ to identify domestic terror threats without violating fundamental constitutional rights? FALLACY: Race or nationality is sole or primary criterion for generating a profile.

Profiling Terrorists (Vaisman-Tzachor)
Domestic terrorist groups represent many distinct ideologies, ethnic and racial backgrounds Predisposing factors include age, personality type(s), motivations and social networks

Suggestion for AGE as factor from literature: years old: Great likelihood for a match years old and years old: Some likelihood for a match 3. <16 years old and > 30 years old: Small likelihood for a match

Suggestion for IMMIGRATION STATUS as factor from literature: 1. Illegal/undocumented: Great likelihood for a match 2. Tourist/diplomatic status: High likelihood for a match 3. Work/student visa: Good likelihood for a match 4. Permanent resident: Some likelihood for a match 5. Naturalized citizen: Small likelihood for a match 6. US-born citizen: Slight likelihood for a match

Suggestion for MARITAL STATUS as factor from literature: 1. Single/bachelor: Great likelihood for a match 2. Steady relationship: High likelihood for a match 3. Married/engaged: Some likelihood for a match 4. Married with children: Small likelihood for a match

Suggestion for GROUP AFFILIATIONS as factor from literature: 1. Membership in relevant organizations (e.g., White Supremacist, Arab, Animal Rights, Islamic, militia, etc.): Greater likelihood for match 2. Membership in relevant social group (e.g., White Supremacist, Arab, Animal Rights, Islamic, militia, etc.): High likelihood for match 3. Relevant sympathetic sentiments (to relevant social group): Some likelihood for match 4. No clear affiliations (to relevant social group): Small likelihood for match

Suggestion for PERSONALITY as factor from literature: 1. Pathological Narcissism: Great likelihood for a match 2. Psychopathy (with or without criminality): High likelihood for a match 3. Narcissism: Some likelihood for a match 4. Paranoia: Small likelihood for a match 5. General Unhappiness: Slight likelihood for a match

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 1 Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnostic Features The essential feature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) -2 Individuals with this disorder have a grandiose sense of self-importance (Criterion 1). They routinely overestimate their abilities and inflate their accomplishments, often appearing boastful and pretentious. They may blithely assume that others attribute the same value to their efforts and may be surprised when the praise they expect and feel they deserve is not forthcoming. Often implicit in the inflated judgments of their own accomplishments is an underestimation (devaluation) of the contributions of others. They are often preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love (Criterion 2). They may ruminate about "long overdue" admiration and privilege and compare themselves favorably with famous or privileged people.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 3 Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder believe that they are superior, special, or unique and expect others to recognize them as such (Criterion 3). They may feel that they can only be understood by, and should only associate with, other people who are special or of high status and may attribute "unique," "perfect," or "gifted" qualities to those with whom they associate. Individuals with this disorder believe that their needs are special and beyond the ken of ordinary people. Their own self-esteem is enhanced (i.e., "mirrored") by the idealized value that they assign to those with whom they associate. They are likely to insist on having only the "top" person (doctor, lawyer, hairdresser, instructor) or being affiliated with the "best" institutions, but may devalue the credentials of those who disappoint them.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 4 Individuals with this disorder generally require excessive admiration (Criterion 4). Their self-esteem is almost invariably very fragile. They may be preoccupied with how well they are doing and how favorably they are regarded by others. This often takes the form of a need for constant attention and admiration. They may expect their arrival to be greeted with great fanfare and are astonished if others do not covet their possessions. They may constantly fish for compliments, often with great charm. A sense of entitlement is evident in these individuals' unreasonable expectation of especially favorable treatment (Criterion 5).

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 5 They expect to be catered to and are puzzled or furious when this does not happen. For example, they may assume that they do not have to wait in line and that their priorities are so important that others should defer to them, and then get irritated when others fail to assist "in their very important work." This sense of entitlement combined with a lack of sensitivity to the wants and needs of others may result in the conscious or unwitting exploitation of others (Criterion 6). They expect to be given whatever they want or feel they need, no matter what it might mean to others. For example, these individuals may expect great dedication from others and may overwork them without regard for the impact on their lives. They tend to form friendships or romantic relationships only if the other person seems likely to advance their purposes or otherwise enhance their self-esteem. They often usurp special privileges and extra resources that they believe they deserve because they are so special.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 6 Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder generally have a lack of empathy and have difficulty recognizing the desires, subjective experiences, and feelings of others (Criterion 7). They may assume that others are totally concerned about their welfare. They tend to discuss their own concerns in inappropriate and lengthy detail, while failing to recognize that others also have feelings and needs. They are often contemptuous and impatient with others who talk about their own problems and concerns. These individuals may be oblivious to the hurt their remarks may inflict (e.g., exuberantly telling a former lover that "I am now in the relationship of a lifetime!"; boasting of health in front of someone who is sick). When recognized, the needs, desires, or feelings of others are likely to be viewed disparagingly as signs of weakness or vulnerability. Those who relate to individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder typically find an emotional coldness and lack of reciprocal interest.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) - 7 These individuals are often envious of others or believe that others are envious of them (Criterion 8). They may begrudge others their successes or possessions, feeling that they better deserve those achievements, admiration, or privileges. They may harshly devalue the contributions of others, particularly when those individuals have received acknowledgment or praise for their accomplishments. Arrogant, haughty behaviors characterize these individuals. They often display snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes (Criterion 9). For example, an individual with this disorder may complain about a clumsy waiter's "rudeness" or "stupidity" or conclude a medical evaluation with a condescending evaluation of the physician.

Narcissism (DSM-IV) – Associated Features
Vulnerability in self-esteem makes individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder very sensitive to "injury" from criticism or defeat. Although they may not show it outwardly, criticism may haunt these individuals and may leave them feeling humiliated, degraded, hollow, and empty. They may react with disdain, rage, or defiant counterattack. Such experiences often lead to social withdrawal or an appearance of humility that may mask and protect the grandiosity. Interpersonal relations are typically impaired due to problems derived from entitlement, the need for admiration, and the relative disregard for the sensitivities of others. Though overweening ambition and confidence may lead to high achievement, performance may be disrupted due to intolerance of criticism or defeat. Sometimes vocational functioning can be very low, reflecting an unwillingness to take a risk in competitive or other situations in which defeat is possible. Sustained feelings of shame or humiliation and the attendant self-criticism may be associated with social withdrawal, depressed mood, and Dysthymic or Major Depressive Disorder. In contrast, sustained periods of grandiosity may be associated with a hypomanic mood.

Predisposing factors include age, personality type(s), attitudes, motivations and social networks Interaction with events and opportunities

Faisal Shazad, Times Square Bomb attempt 21 May 2010

Samy Mohamed Hamzeh, 23, arrested in Milwaukee, January 2016

George Jakubec, 54, Escondido, CA (right). Bomb factory in home. Nov His facial features are blurred by court order.

Who are home-grown terrorists? (George Jakubec 1)
Mon Dec 6, 7:15 am ET Associated Press ESCONDIDO, Calif. – Neighbors gasped when authorities showed them photos of the inside of the Southern California ranch-style home: Crates of grenades, mason jars of white, explosive powder and jugs of volatile chemicals that are normally the domain of suicide bombers. Prosecutors say Serbian-born George Jakubec quietly packed the home with the largest amount of homemade explosives ever found in one location in the U.S. and was running a virtual bomb-making factory in his suburban neighborhood. How the alleged bank robber obtained the chemicals and what he planned to do with them remain mysteries.

Who are home-grown terrorists? (George Jakubec 2)
Mon Dec 6, 7:15 am ET Associated Press – CONTINUED Now authorities face the risky task of getting rid of the explosives. The property is so dangerous and volatile that that they have no choice but to burn the home to the ground this week in a highly controlled operation involving dozens of firefighters, scientists and hazardous material and pollution experts. Authorities went into the home after Jakubec was arrested, but encountered a maze of floor-to-ceiling junk and explosives that included 13 unfinished shrapnel grenades. Bomb experts pulled out about nine pounds of explosive material and detonated it, but they soon realized it was too dangerous to continue given the quantity of hazardous substances. A bomb-disposing robot was ruled out because of the obstacle of all the junk Jakubec hoarded. That left only one option — burn the home down.

Predisposing factors include age, personality type(s), attitudes, motivations and social networks Interaction with events and opportunities

Role of Cultural Norms and Attitude Shifts?
Recent attention to increasing narcissism (NOT narcissistic personality disorder) in the popular culture News and entertainment media celebrity and role models Changes in attitudes relative to in-groups and out-groups

Role of Cultural Norms and Attitude Shifts?
Changes in attitudes relative to in-groups and out-groups Clark McCauley and Jennifer Stellar, U.S. Muslims after 9/11: Poll trends , Perspectives on Terrorism, 3 (2009) Analysis of Zogby 2001, 2002, and 2004 opinion poll and Pew Foundation 2007 opinion poll. Focus primarily on attitudes toward America and perceived American attitudes toward Islam.

McCauley & Stellar, Perspectives on Terrorism, 3 (2009) 35-47.
Zogby2001: The American Muslim Poll (n=1781) was conducted in November and December 2001 by the Muslims in American Public Square (MAPS), supported by the Pew Research Center ( ) in collaboration with Zogby International ( ). All respondents in polls were 18 years of age or older. The percentage of African-American respondents was weighted to reflect 20% of the American Muslim population.

Zogby2002: The Hamilton College Muslim American Poll (n=521) was designed by Sociology Professor Dennis Gilbert and a team of Hamilton students and supported by the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center. Conducted April 2002 in collaboration with Zogby International. National call list was created by software that identifies common Muslim names in telephone listings probably underweights African-American Muslims ( ).

Zogby2004: The American Muslim Poll (n=1846) was conducted in August and September 2004 by Muslims in the American Public Square (MAPS) supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts in conjunction with Zogby International. Telephone interviews with nationwide sample of American Muslims using the same methods as for Zogby2001

Pew2007: The Muslim Americans Survey (n=1050) was conducted by Schulman, Ronca, and Bucuvalas Incorporated (SRBI) between January and April of 2007, according to the specifications of the Pew Research Center. Telephone interviews were conducted in English (83%), Arabic (11%), Urdu (3%), and Farsi (3%). Three part sampling frame: complexities and advantages of this multiple-strata polling are detailed in pages of the Pew Research Center report, Muslim Americans: Middle class and mostly mainstream

McCauley & Stellar, Perspectives on Terrorism, 3 (2009) 35-47

Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, Somali-born US citizen, suspect in attempt to bomb Portland, OR tree lighting, 26 November 2010

Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, US citizen and former member of Army Reserves, murdered 5 policemen in Dallas, TX sniper attack in July Allegedly motivated by BLM rhetoric.

Gavin Eugene Long, 29, US citizen and former Marine, murdered 3 policemen in Baton Rouge, LA in July Member of Sovereign Citizen Movement, allegedly outraged by death of Alton Sterling.

Tashfeen Malik and Syed Rizwan Farook, married, killed 14 people and wounded 21 in attack on a holiday party in San Bernardino, CA. December 2015

Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, 29, born in Hyde Park, NY (US citizen by birth). Married, Killed 49 people and wounded 53 at Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. June 12, 2016.

Scott Atran, Who becomes a terrorist today
Scott Atran, Who becomes a terrorist today? Perspectives on Terrorism, 2 (2008) Issue 5. Terrorist groups that kill and die for the Takfiri cause arise within specific “scenes”: neighborhoods, schools (classes, dorms), workplaces, common leisure activities (soccer, mosque, barbershop café) and, increasingly, online chat rooms. The process of self-selection into terrorism occurs within these scenes. Takfiri terrorism is stimulated by a massive, media-driven transnational political awakening in which Jihad is represented as the only the way to permanently resolve glaring problems of global injustice. This incites moral outrage against perceived attacks upon Islam. If moral outrage resonates with personal experience that reverberates among friends in a scene, and if aspects of the scene are already sufficiently action-oriented, such as group of soccer buddies or camp mates, then willingness to go out and do violence together is much more likely.

Scott Atran, Who becomes a terrorist today? Perspectives on Terrorism, 2 (2008) Issue 5. Most human violence is committed by young people seeking adventure, dreams of glory, and esteem in the eyes of their peers. Omar Nasiri’s Inside Jihad: My Life with Al Qaeda (Perseus Books, 2006) rings true in its picture of the highs the militants get from the sense of brotherhood and sense of purpose. They want to belong to something that is at once intimate, bigger, and more permanent than a person alone. They kill and die for faith and friendship, which is the foundation of all social and political union, that is, all enduring human associations of non-kin: shared faith reigns in self-interest and makes social life possible; friendship allows genetically unrelated individuals to cooperate to compete. The most heroic cause in the world today is Jihad, where anyone from anywhere can hope to make a mark against the most powerful army in the history of the world. But they need their friends to give them courage, and it is as much or more for love of comrades than the cause that they will kill and die for in the end.

Scott Atran, Who becomes a terrorist today? Perspectives on Terrorism, 2 (2008) Issue 5. It is about sharing dreams, heroes, and hopes that are more enticing and empowering than any moral lessons or material offerings (although jobs that relieve the terrible boredom and inactivity of immigrant youth in Europe, and with underemployed throughout much of the Muslim world, can help offset the alluring stimulation of playing at war). It is also important to provide alternate local networks and chat rooms that speak to the inherent idealism, sense of risk and adventure, and need for peer approval that young people everywhere tend toward. It even could be a 21st century version of what the Boy Scouts and high school football teams did for immigrants and potentially troublesome youth as America urbanized a century ago. Ask any cop on the beat: these things work. It has to be done with the input and insight of local communities, however, or it will not work. De-radicalization, like radicalization itself, engages from the bottom up, not from the top down. This, of course, is not how you stop terrorism today, but how you help prevent it tomorrow.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan, 18, legal permanent resident from Somalia (came with family in 2014). Attack with car and knife on OSU campus. November 28, “"I wanted to pray in the open, but I was scared with everything going on in the media. I'm a Muslim, it's not what the media portrays me to be. If people look at me, a Muslim praying, I don't know what they're going to think, what's going to happen.” Student paper interview, August 2016.

Domestic Terrorism: A Personal and Very Local Issue

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