Feds deem ‘lone wolf’ attackers as biggest threat to July Fourth celebrations

The threat of “lone wolf” attacks from foreign and domestic extremists is the top security concern for public safety officials as Americans gather for Fourth of July celebrations across the country.

Federal authorities circulated a threat assessment urging police departments nationwide to be on the lookout for radicals who see the large Independence Day crowds as target-rich environments, especially for an attack similar to the ISIS-inspired assault in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.

A supporter of the Islamist terrorist group killed 14 people on Bourbon Street when he mowed down revelers in his truck shortly after the ball dropped.

“Of these actors, U.S.-based violent extremists supporting [foreign terrorist organizations] and [domestic violent extremists] not linked to FTOs represent two of the most persistent threats,” said bulletins from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. “Lone offenders, in particular, remain a concern due to their ability to often avoid detection until operational and to inflict significant casualties.”

Officials said special events that attract throngs of people and receive extensive media coverage are favored targets for those who want to “cause mass casualties or draw attention to their causes.” They are also worried about drone use in attacks.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security expressed concern about the potential threat, considering unrest in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Hamas war.

Officials said the war has inspired antisemitic violence in the U.S., such as the firebombing in Boulder, Colorado, that killed a woman and injured more than a dozen others participating in a pro-Israel march.

The notice also mentioned that pro-Hamas sentiments motivated a gunman to kill two Israeli Embassy staffers in the District in May.

“These individuals are often motivated by a broad range of racial, ethnic, political, religious, anti-government, societal or personal grievances,” the bulletin said.

Federal officials were especially wary of agitators targeting New York City and San Francisco, whose festivities will host hundreds of thousands of people.

New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no known threats to the city but noted that “NYPD and our federal partners are closely monitoring the threat from lone wolf actors who are motivated by world events.”

“Our intelligence division, joint terrorism task force partners, and counterterrorism teams continue to monitor every possible lead, both domestic and international, in real time,” Ms. Tisch said.

A terrorist wielding a machete carried out an attack in Times Square on New Year’s Eve 2022 and severely wounded three NYPD officers. Prosecutors said the assailant, Trevor Bickford, was inspired by the Taliban and al Qaeda.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she ordered state police to provide security at major events throughout the state for the Fourth of July and deployed the National Guard to high-traffic transportation hubs. Troops will be stationed along key bridges and tunnels in New York City.

In San Francisco, local police leaders said there are no known threats to the city’s celebration. Authorities said they have been in constant contact with state and federal partners to look for potential disruptors.

The Homeland Security bulletin for the city warned that “malicious actors, including violent extremists and criminals, could potentially exploit or target First Amendment-protected demonstrations via mass casualty or opportunistic attacks.”

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is also taking the federal notices seriously. Thousands of people are expected to flock downtown and to the National Mall for the annual Independence Day parade and fireworks show.

MPD Chief Pamela Smith said officers will line the streets of Constitution Avenue Northwest for the parade.

She said dump trucks will be positioned along key junctures of the route to thwart any instigators considering the open road for a vehicle-ramming attack.

Chief Smith clarified that there are no known threats to the District but told people to be vigilant.

“You have to use your moral compass and your own values. If you feel uncomfortable about something or anything, just pick up the phone and call 911. That’s what we’re there for,” the chief said. “You might see something that shouldn’t be in a particular place, whether it’s a bag, any of those things, you should pick up the phone and contact us.”

A newer concern for federal authorities is the potential for small, remote-controlled drones to be used in violent attacks.

“Various state and nonstate actors have increased their use and modification of short-range [drones] to conduct surveillance of adversary positions, drop small munitions on targets, and detonate explosive-laden [drones] on impact to targets in conflict zones abroad,” the threat assessment said.