Latest news with #terrorismThreat


The Independent
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Law enforcement issues ‘lone wolf' July 4 attacks warning
The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have issued a warning about 'lone wolf' attacks on the Fourth of July, according to reports. The agencies issued a joint bulletin in late June warning the public to stay vigilant, particularly if attending major July 4 celebrations, such as the Macy's fireworks display in New York City, according to an assessment obtained by CNN. Potential attackers could be motivated by the Israel–Palestine war, the agencies reportedly said. 'The most significant terrorism threat facing the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence,' the agencies said in the Joint Special Event Threat Assessment, according to the network. 'Most attackers motivated at least in part by the Israel-HAMAS conflict have selected targets with a symbolic link to Israel, houses of worship, or locations associated with houses of worship.' 'Individuals with grievances linked to the conflict could also perceive large gatherings, such as Independence Day celebrations, as opportunistic targets symbolic of the West in general,' it continued. While it is not unusual for law enforcement to issue threat assessments and warnings before major events and holidays, recent high-profile events have prompted 'additional concern,' CNN reports. 'Special events with high attendance and media coverage … remain attractive targets' for those who may want to 'cause mass casualties or draw attention to their causes,' the bulletin added. The bulletin said the agencies were 'concerned' about the potential threat of 'copycat attacks inspired by the 2025 New Year's Day vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans' and foreign terrorist organizations who call for attacks against the West. On January 1, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of revellers on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 30 others. The agencies also highlighted last month's attack in Boulder, Colorado, in the threat assessment. Mohamed Sabry Soliman has been charged with a federal hate crime and state counts of attempted murder after allegedly launching a firebombing attack on a group demonstrating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The DHS and FBI also warned of drones, which it said 'may pose a hazard to participants and attendees, delay events, and disrupt law enforcement.' There were 'no credible' reports of drones being used to target the Macy's firework show in New York, the agencies said, but they assessed there was some 'potential to increase public safety risks.' 'While we cannot on any specific product, the FBI regularly shares information with our law enforcement partners to assist in protecting the communities they serve, as well as with our private sector partners for awareness,' the FBI said in a statement to The Independent. 'The FBI always encourages members of the public to be vigilant and report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.' The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


CNN
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Ghosted by FEMA,' teen pilot in trouble, grilling tips: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! An American influencer was detained in Antarctica while attempting to fly solo to all seven continents. Authorities said 19-year-old Ethan Guo broke 'multiple national and international regulations' by changing his flight plan without permission. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. As hurricane season bears down, a new layer of uncertainty is spreading through the disaster response system. Officials across the country say they've encountered a wall of silence from FEMA that's left them scrambling for answers. Attacks perpetrated by lone actors are the biggest terrorism threat to July Fourth festivities in US cities, federal authorities said. High-profile incidents in New Orleans and Boulder, Colorado, have raised concerns about the potential for copycats. A brutal heat wave is gripping parts of Europe, leaving millions of people struggling to deal with punishing temperatures. They're coping with the help of electric fans, ice packs and cold showers. Why is air conditioning so rare? Researchers sequenced the entire genome of an ancient Egyptian for the first time, revealing unprecedented insight about the ancestry of a man who lived during the time when the first pyramids were built. Lots of Americans will be firing up their grills for cookouts this holiday weekend. Chef Tyler Florence offers some advice so you can avoid burnt burgers and scorched steaks — and keep your guests happy. GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 💥 Big boom: A warehouse containing fireworks exploded in Northern California, which sparked several smaller fires. Authorities in Yolo County, near Sacramento, issued an evacuation order for the surrounding area as a precaution. Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of most serious charges House GOP hardliners vow to stall Trump's megabill Bryan Kohberger admits to Idaho student murders in plea deal to avoid the death penalty 🥫 That's how long Del Monte Foods has been around, but the company best known for its canned fruits and vegetables just filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. ✈️ Step back in time: The elegant Bauhaus airport in Budapest has remained mostly unchanged for nearly 90 years. Its clean lines, circular main hall and curved banisters offer a glimpse into the terminal's fascinating past. 'I don't think you can just turn a blind eye to it. I think it's anti-American.' Bakari Sellers on "Alligator Alcatraz" 💬 Slippery slope? The attorney and CNN political commentator questioned the humanity of the detention center in Florida's Everglades and criticized President Donald Trump for raising the possibility of deporting violent American citizens. 🚬 Which European country is banning smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children?A. FranceB. GermanyC. SpainD. Italy⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🕹️ Adult arcade: Chuck E. Cheese isn't just for kids anymore. The chain is opening a spinoff of the children's version with a mix of nostalgic games — such as Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat — and 'old-school merch' for sale. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: A. Starting July 1, France banned smoking in parks, beaches, public gardens, bus stops, school entrances and sports venues.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.