Just days before the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have issued new warnings that ISIS extremists are being inspired to target stadiums and sports venues. In a new bulletin to law enforcement, the agencies provide details on where the attacks may be launched.
Homegrown ISIS-inspired terrorists have reportedly shifted their focus away from government and military targets and towards civilian ones such as stadiums, arenas, concert venues and music festivals. In the past 12 months, 75 percent of terrorist attacks have occurred at these so-called civilian venues.
Law enforcement officials expressed that they are working closely with professional sports teams to keep the public safe, but would not go into detail with the media regarding added security precautions they are taking.
According to David Inserra, a homeland security analyst at the Heritage Foundation, the challenge presented is in “the sheer number of people and the fact it is not as secure a facility like the airports.”
As the National Football League opens its regular season this week, this news is particularly urgent and concerning. Americans should stay vigilant this weekend as we observe the 15th anniversary of the most devastating terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil.