The official definition of a terrorist is quite ambiguous. The US Code defines terrorism as violence used “to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping;” For the purpose of us civilians, it’s anyone that wants to inflict mass casualties on a civilian population. I know that’s ambiguous too, but that is what people are really worried about when terrorism is mentioned.
Even more importantly, what does a terrorist look like? That’s a question law enforcement around the world is trying to answer. The problem is that terrorist work really hard to fit in, to look like you and me. So how can we spot them? Vigilance is the only way.
The bomb maker can be spotted by what he/she buys. The Oklahoma City bombing was done with diesel fuel and fertilizer. Don’t misunderstand, you aren’t looking for someone buying fertilizer, you are looking for someone that is buying large amounts of chemicals for no reason. Most chemicals are now controlled, including large amounts of fertilizer, to help keep them out of the hands of terrorist.
Someone that is going to commit violence with a car or firearm is harder to find. The car will be stolen and the firearm will be bought out of the country or illegally. This is where the vigilance really kicks in. If you spot a terrorist of this kind, you may have only moments to act. The person may be wearing a large coat in the summer to hide a rifle or bomb. You need to leave immediately, and once clear call the police emergency line.
I made the mistake once of calling the non-emergency line and they treated me like I was reporting a kid dropping trash on the ground. Call 911 and tell them what you see and that it’s scary enough that you have left the area. Hopefully this will get their attention.
Your goals, in order of importance, when it comes to terrorist are; 1) don’t be present. Get away, and get your family away. Your responsibility is to your family first and foremost. 2) Keep as many people safe as possible. That might be as simple as showing people where the exit is, or calling the police (after getting your family and self safe). 3) Help law enforcement catch the terrorist. The best way to help is be a good witness by noting as much detail as possible. Weather the incident you are witnessing is completed or not, law enforcement will want to follow the trail back to find all the people involved. You can help them by giving as much detail as possible. Make notes on your phone, computer, or old fashioned pen and paper. Write down as much as you can.
Terrorism is rare in America, so don’t be overly paranoid, just watchful.
Stay Safe,
Ben