FBI Director Kash Patel Says Expanded Surveillance Helped Thwart Four December Terror Plots
FBI Director Kash Patel told lawmakers the bureau thwarted four terrorist attacks in December — in California, Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — three of them ISIS-inspired, including a disrupted bombing campaign in Southern California and two planned New Year’s Eve mass-casualty events. He credited the successes to expanded Threat Screening Center resources, increased global biometric collection and more agents and analysts operating covertly online.
📌 Key Facts
- FBI Director Kash Patel testified that the FBI thwarted four terrorist attacks in December in California, Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
- Three of the four disrupted plots were ISIS-inspired.
- Among the disruptions were a bombing campaign in Southern California and two planned New Year’s Eve mass-casualty events.
- Patel attributed the disruptions to expanded resources at the FBI's Threat Screening Center.
- He said increased biometric collection from around the world helped detect the threats.
- Patel also credited more agents and analysts operating online using covert platforms with detecting and disrupting the plots.
📊 Relevant Data
Since 9/11, the large majority of individuals accused of jihadist terrorism-related crimes in the United States have been American citizens or legal residents.
Terrorism in America After 9/11 — New America
Between 2014 and 2017, 73% of individuals indicted for ISIS-related activities in the US were U.S. citizens, compared to the general population where U.S. citizens are 100% but highlighting the homegrown nature among suspects.
Trends in the Draw of Americans to Foreign Terrorist Organizations from 9/11 to Today — RAND Corporation
The U.S. Muslim population increased dramatically in the second half of the 20th century due to the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, growing from about 3.3 million (1% of population) in 2015 to projections of 8.1 million (2.1%) by 2050.
Islam in the United States — Wikipedia
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Patel testified that the FBI thwarted four terrorist attacks in December in California, Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, three of them ISIS-inspired.
- He said the bureau disrupted a bombing campaign in Southern California and two planned New Year’s Eve mass-casualty events.
- Patel linked these disruptions to expanded resources at the Threat Screening Center, increased biometric collection from around the world, and more agents and analysts operating online using covert platforms to detect threats.