Homegrown, Lone Wolf Terrorists Biggest Concern For Ga. FBI
When it comes to terrorism and potential threats and attacks in Georgia, the Atlanta FBI is the most concerned with homegrown, lone wolf terrorist attacks.
Examples of this kind of threat are the suspect in the deadly Chattanooga attacks last week or the recent Leon Nathan Davis case in Georgia.
Just over two months ago, 37-year-old Leon Nathan Davis from Augusta pleaded guilty to charges that he tried to provide material support to the Islamic State. The parolee was caught trying to fly to Turkey last fall where he planned to join up with ISIS in Syria, according to investigators.
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Tobon, who works in the National Security Branch of the Atlanta FBI, said during an interview on “A Closer Look” that federal authorities are concerned about potential terrorist suspects operating alone, who were radicalized at home in the U.S., and are plotting local attacks.
“That is certainly one of our main concerns – the lone offender who’s not associating with somebody else, who’s not talking to anybody about his intentions,” Davis explained.
“When he does something, that’s the first we’re hearing of it. Those are the ones we’re absolutely concerned about,” she added.
Davis was caught because he was already on the investigators’ radar due to his probation for prior criminal activity, but that isn’t always the case. Tobon called the Davis case “unique” in that authorities recognized quickly that he was plotting to join up with terrorists.
“I think the biggest threat here is the homegrown violent extremist.”
Tobon said, while it is tougher to catch the lone wolf, that’s where community relations comes into play. She said it’s important for investigators to develop relationships with different communities because residents then feel comfortable telling authorities about potential suspects.
“I think that’s probably one of our best tools is the public realizing that something is going on, something’s not right, and they’re notifying either their law enforcement or us.”
Lone wolf attacks by violent extremists are a deadly problem that is more widespread than many people realize.
Between April of 2009 and February of 2015 a domestic terrorist attack or foiled attack by the radical right or homegrown jihadists occurred every month, on average, according to a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center
The study also found almost 75 percent of more of the attacks were carried out or planned by a lone wolf or single person operating alone.
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