How to Identify Potential Terrorist Targets

Terrorists do not fit neatly into one category and different groups commit terrorist acts for different reasons. To maintain safety, follow these steps to identify potential terrorist targets.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Research the steps that your community or metropolitan area has taken toward preventing terrorist attacks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a public review of the preparedness of 75 American cities against terrorist attacks (see Resources below). Your understanding of community weaknesses is a good start toward identifying potential attacks.
2. Keep an eye out for high profile events with a high concentration of spectators. Major events like the Super Bowl, the World Cup and presidential inaugurations are often reported targets for terrorists.
3. Look for speeches, awards shows and other events where controversial celebrities or public figures will appear. The motivation for some terrorist attacks is the destruction of cultural symbols and leaders. Pay particular attention to rallies where public figures speak directly to their supporters because this provides a target-rich environment.
4. Assess the level of accessibility that an average person is allowed to a potential target. Open air stadiums and malls with multiple entry points are 2 examples of highly accessible areas. While you cannot identify a terrorist by any one trait, you can identify areas where a terrorist can gain easy entrance.
5. Consider historical events and anniversaries when thinking about potential terror targets. A significant number of terrorist attacks worldwide take place on a date significant to a particular terror cell. Keep an eye on festivals or memorials to a historic event because they can be used as symbolic targets by terrorists.
6. Map out facilities that are vital to the daily functions of a city or metropolitan center. Water pumping stations, waste processing facilities and electrical towers are often believed to be strong targets for terrorism.

Tips & Warnings

• If you determine the potential for a terrorist attack, contact the police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI compiles information on potential terrorist targets including local tips. Your call can help authorities determine a pattern of events and provide adequate safeguards against terrorism.