FBI official warns 9/11 still inspires domestic extremists, report says

The short version

• FBI official Chris Raia warned that the September 11 attacks continue to serve as a motivating factor for individuals radicalized online inside the country.[ABC News]
• Federal authorities have arrested at least 16 people across the homeland over the past 18 months for allegedly planning or aiding attacks linked to al-Qaeda or ISIS.[ABC News]
• Raia also pushed back against assertions that the bureau's focus has been diverted toward immigration enforcement.[ABC News]
• Recent defendants, including an Albany woman accused of plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol, have not yet entered legal pleas.[ABC News]

Key facts

• FBI official Chris Raia stated that 9/11 remains a motivating influence for individuals radicalized online.[ABC News]
• The FBI has detained at least 16 individuals in the U.S. over the last year and a half for allegedly aiding or planning attacks on behalf of al-Qaeda or ISIS.[ABC News]
• A worldwide threat assessment from March calculated ISIS membership at up to 18,000 and al-Qaeda membership at up to 28,000 globally.[ABC News]
• Jessica Bowie was arrested by federal agents for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol.[ABC News]
• Raia disputed claims that immigration enforcement or other administration priorities have diverted the FBI from counterterrorism.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• FBI official warns 9/11 is still inspiring terrorists inside America 25 years laterABC News - Top Stories