Based on recent and current events, Terrorism has become the subject of much
scrutiny. This section of the Citizen Corps Website provides a number of
references in regards to this subject.
Terrorism is the use of
force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws
of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.
The 3 major factors in terrorism are:
- Terrorism involves criminal activity or actions. It is not simply a
belief.
- Terrorism has political or social objectives.
- Terrorists bypass established institutions (such as Judicial, Law
Enforcement, etc.), using violence against citizens to force changes in
society and force governments to change policies toward their
cause.
Terrorism is divided into 2 main groups. These are:
- Domestic Terrorism: Domestic groups are based and operate entirely within
the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These are groups that do not have any foreign entity
or government direction, and whose acts are aimed at the U.S. government or
its citizens.
A well-known example of a domestic terrorist act is
the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995.
- International Terrorism: International terrorism is always foreign-based
and is directed against the United States by countries or groups outside the
United States.
The Sept. 11, 2001, bombings of the World Trade
Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., are examples of
international terrorism.
Click the links on the left side under this page to enter the Terrorism
information section.
