Counterterrorism agencies are monitoring suspected sleeper cells on U.S. soil in the wake of the joint strikes on Iran. Surveillance has been increased amid heightened fears of possible retaliation from Iran-linked operatives or sympathizers.
On-the-ground security in major U.S. cities has been boosted by federal and local law enforcement agencies. This action comes on the heels of Operation Epic Fury, which was kicked off on Saturday morning and resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.
Law Enforcement & Counterterrorism
Security experts are concerned that the fallout could extend beyond the Middle East.
Former assistant FBI director, Chris Swecker, told Fox News: “If ever there’s going to be a Hezbollah cell or a Hamas cell act in the United States in a violent way, it’s now. Both organizations are Iranian-backed all the way. Both organizations have had a presence in the United States since the 1980s. We know that they have cells here. We also know that there are lone sympathizers, many of whom have come out in these protest groups.”
Swecker asserts U.S. authorities have long been aware of the domestic networks and sympathizers.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday that intelligence and counterterrorism teams are on high alert.
“Last night, I instructed our Counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilize all assisting security assets needed.”
He added that the FBI “remains at the forefront of deterring attacks here at home” and continues to work around the clock to protect Americans.
Retired FBI supervisory special agent and Fox News contributor Jason Pack said the response from local and federal law enforcement is routine during conflict.
“The intelligence and counterterrorism communities work on this kind of scenario continuously, long before any conflict begins. When the United States commits to a joint military campaign with Israel, the domestic threat environment doesn’t simply remain static. It could shift, potentially significantly.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she is “in direct coordination with our federal law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland.”
Austin, Texas Shooting
A mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer in Austin, Texas, is being investigated as a possible act of vengeance for the attack on Iran.
Witnesses reported the shooter was wearing a shirt featuring the Iranian flag and possibly had other Iran-related paraphernalia.
Identified as Ndiaga Diagne, the shooter was from Senegal and became a naturalized citizen in 2013, and applied for asylum in 2016. Local law enforcement officials killed him moments after he opened fire, but not before he killed two an dinjured 14 people.
Alex Doran, a special agent with the FBI’s San Antonio office, stated, “There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism. Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that.” The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation.
Police responded to reports of shots fired at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m., officials reported during a press conference.
Three officers were on routine patrol in the area and responded to the scene in 57 seconds, confronted the shooter and “returned fire,” killing him.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported, “He put his flashers on, rolled down his window, and began using a pistol, shooting out his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio and were in front of the bar.”
The shooter then drove down the block and “once again, he starts shooting some people that are walking by.”
Sources:
USA Today: US on high alert for homeland attacks by Iran. What to know
New York Post: US-based terror ‘sleeper cells’ could be ramping up after attack on Iran: ‘On high alert’
Fox News: Enemy within: Counterterrorism experts fear sleeper cells could be poised inside
Featured Image Courtesy of Steve Wall’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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