On 20 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding a variety of safety and security matters.

Most important for this report, on Tuesday subscribers were notified of a statement issued by the U.S. Capitol Police Department citing the threat of a “possible plot to breach the Capitol” on Thursday, March 4th. A driving force for this security concern was online chatter by followers of the rather small QAnon movement heralding March 4 as the date on which former President Donald Trump would be “inaugurated,” and Joe Biden removed from the White House. Until 1937, March 4th had been the date on which newly elected Presidents were sworn into office.

In the initial public statement, as well as in a follow-up on Wednesday, the Capitol Police emphasize the intelligence was being taken seriously. Further, the Department noted that “significant security upgrades” and force increases had already been implemented. Needless to say, Thursday came and went without a single security incident. More than 5000 heavily-armed National Guard soldiers remain in the district, as do miles of riot fencing topped with razor wire.

Despite the crickets, US Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has formally asked the Department of Defense to extend the mission of the National Guard on the Hill by another two months. During testimony before the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee, Pittman told lawmakers that threats to members are up 93% during the first two months of this year compared to last year. As of the time of this report's preparation, the request had not received approval.

DHS / FBI Warn of Possible Prolonged Unrest and Violence

Earlier in the week the Department of Homeland Security issued an intelligence note to law enforcement agencies nationwide stating that the diverse set of ideological actors, as well as periods of prolonged civil unrest experienced through 2020, to include the targeting of law enforcement and symbols of government, would likely continue through 2021, and could escalate to include the targeting of critical infrastructure.

Similarly, later in the week the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a Liaison Information Report warning of the ongoing potential for domestic violent extremist threats in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The FBI and DHS continue to assess that violence is most likely to be committed by lone offenders or small cells using simple tactics and easy-to acquire weapons. Due to the highly personal nature of the decision to mobilize, it is difficult to identify specific indicators showing the actions are in support of domestic agendas, or in support of groups from abroad.

Mass Stabbing in Sweden

On Wednesday AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a mass stabbing attack in Vetlanda, Sweden. In this incident, a 22 year old Afghan national who entered Sweden as a refugee attacked seven people with a large knife and axe. Three victims faced life threatening wounds while two others were seriously injured. The suspect was arrested after being shot in the leg by police. Authorities say the incident is being investigated as ”a suspected terrorist crime.”

Readers are reminded that in 2017, an Uzbek migrant who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State drove a truck into crowds of shoppers in Stockholm. Five people were killed and numerous injured before the driver crashed into a department store.

IED Detonated Near Amsterdam

Also on Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device outside of a COVID-19 testing center in Bovenkarspel, Netherlands, located just north of Amsterdam. This incident occurred amidst protests over public health lockdowns and government mismanagement of the response to the pandemic.

New ISIS Threat Posters

On Friday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of the release of new Islamic State propaganda posters threatening the U.S. and depicting attacks on Washington DC and New York City.

AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.

The Intelligence Community routinely produces information for public safety personnel that may help first responders and others identify terrorist-related activities and prevent, deter, or respond to terrorist attacks.

In this issue:

Female Violent Extremists: Implications for Public Safety

Female violent extremists have demonstrated an interest and participated in filling operational roles through a wide variety of tactics in the Homeland and abroad. Messaging by ISIS, al-Qa‘ida, and their affiliates through online videos, magazines, and social media has most likely played a role in radicalizing, a inspiring, and encouraging females to take an operational role in terrorism. There is wide range of gender-tailored implications for the public safety community to consider in the areas of critical thinking, information gathering, and terrorism prevention to help mitigate the threat of female violent extremists.

~ Download the PDF Document Here ~

Hospitality Industry: Enhanced Suspicious Activity
Awareness Assists in Terrorism Prevention

From family-owned lodging to chain properties and luxury resorts, the hospitality industry represents a diverse and complex environment, including an open and welcoming operating model, transient populations, multiuse facilities, conference spaces, bars, restaurants, casinos, gyms, pools, business centers, and ballrooms. With approximately 53,000 lodging properties and over 15 million people employed by the hospitality industry in the United States, a well-trained, security-conscious staff can act as a force multiplier for recognition and reporting of suspicious activity potentially indicative of terrorism in or adjacent to their respective facilities.

~ Download the PDF Document Here ~