Countering the Threat: Lone Wolves, Homemade Explosives, and the Path to a Safer Future

In October 2023, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray warned US Congress of an increased risk of terrorist threats in the U.S., inspired by a Hamas attack on Israel.  He emphasized the potential for attacks from radicalized individuals or small groups, employing low-tech methods like vehicular assaults and homemade explosives (‘HMEs’).  Past incidents, including the 2017 New York truck attack and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, exemplify these methods, utilizing simple, readily available materials to create lethal impacts.  Wray also highlighted a significant vulnerability in detection systems, which often fail to recognize the inorganic compounds used in HMEs.  This exposes critical infrastructure to risks, compounded by challenges in immigration and border enforcement that could hinder efforts to intercept potential threats.  This situation calls for enhanced intelligence, detection technologies, and immigration controls to safeguard homeland security.

See GreyScan senior consultant Mr. Kelly Hoggan’s full three-part article published on Homeland Security Today, here:

Part I: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/article-countering-the-threat-lone-wolves-homemade-explosives-and-the-path-to-a-safer-future-part-i

Part II: https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/article-countering-the-threat-lone-wolves-homemade-explosives-and-the-path-to-a-safer-future-part-ii

Part III: https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/countering-the-threat-lone-wolves-homemade-explosives-and-the-path-to-a-safer-future-part-iii