Michigan Active Shooter Attack Thwarted
Department of Homeland Security “See Something, Say Something” campaign
Today it was reported by major news outlets that a planned active shooter attack was thwarted by the FBI. The Department of Justice released a statement stating that a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard was arrested for planning a mass shooting at a U.S. military base in Warren, Michigan. It was alleged this individual was going to carry out the attack in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
According to the Department of Justice release the suspect informed two undercover law enforcement officers of his planned attack at the military base. In preparation for the attack, the suspect flew a drone over the base to gain intelligence prior to the attack. The individual also provided training to the undercover officers and made makeshift explosive devices in preparation for the attack.
This incident displays the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement so they can quickly intercept the individual before carrying out acts of violence. Campaigns like the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something ®” are important to spreading the word for individuals to report suspicious behavior as it applies to potential terrorist activity. The campaign covers what activity to look out for and how to report it to local authorities.
There are many self-radicalized individuals in the United States who would want to carry out acts of terror based on their belief system and hatred of Americans. These individuals work and live in the same communities as other law-abiding citizens. During interactions with others these individuals often will discuss their anti-American sentiment and will often provide some clues as to plans for attacking or hurting citizens. As in the planned Michigan attack there are several points during the attacker’s planning phase that others can take notice of and report to law enforcement. The important take-away from today’s news release is these acts of violence can be prevented when good people step up and do what is right.
