Week 8 Assignment

Domestic Terrorism

Homegrown terrorists, also known as domestic terrorists, pose a unique threat to efforts to prevent terrorist acts, because such terrorists are already living in the country in which they wish to cause harm. Domestic terrorists are responsible for some of the most devastating attacks in U.S. history such as the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma in 1995. The incident resulted in the deaths of 168 people including 19 children (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.). Such incidents are a central concern of local law enforcement. Even more challenging for law enforcement are “lone wolf” terrorists. Their actions are harder to detect because they often do not communicate their intentions before committing their crimes. U.S. criminal justice agencies are taking steps to better understand this type of threat and assume a multifaceted role in addressing terrorism.

For this Assignment, review the Jenkins book chapter in this week’s Learning Resources.

Submit by Day 7 a 3- to 4-page paper that addresses the following:

• The difference between foreign and domestic terrorist threats
• Factors contributing to an increased threat of domestic terrorism
• The role of the criminal justice system in addressing these terrorist threats