The Department of Homeland Security recently issued warnings to law enforcement agencies regarding the threat of violence from lone offenders during the holiday season. According to internal memos obtained, the alerts highlighted the potential use of tactics such as vehicle ramming by individuals acting alone.
A joint bulletin released on December 6, followed by a critical incident note, emphasized the risk of attacks on soft targets. This cautionary message was underscored by a tragic incident in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where a pickup truck plowed into a crowd, resulting in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries, deemed an act of terrorism by the FBI.
These joint bulletins, shared among federal, state, and local law enforcement, serve to inform and prepare authorities for potential threats. The agencies stressed that lone offenders historically rely on simple tactics like edged weapons, firearms, or vehicle ramming due to their accessibility and potential for mass casualties.
Deputy Assistant FBI Director Christopher Raia confirmed that the suspect in the New Orleans attack, identified as a US citizen and Army veteran, operated as a 'lone wolf.' The FBI's assessment aligns with the warning issued by DHS following a vehicle attack at a German Christmas market, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of mass gatherings to such threats.
The critical incident note distributed by DHS reiterated the importance of vigilance during the holiday season, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures at public events. The use of vehicle ramming as a tactic in previous incidents both domestically and abroad underscores the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement in safeguarding against such attacks.
