The Terrorist Next Door

The Terrorist Next Door

By John Jessup
CBN News
May 14, 2007

CBNNews.com - In the beginning, concerns about terrorism were limited to sleeper cells, foreign agents of al-Qaeda, or other terror networks that made their way into the U.S. and were laying low until ordered to strike.

But counterterrorism is changing and - increasingly - investigators are looking within American borders for the so-called "terrorist next door."

"The trend we're seeing is that we are uncovering more instances of people here who have been radicalized … where there is not a direct thumbprint of al-Qaeda," USA Today quoted John Miller, the FBI's assistant director for public affairs.

Up until now, authorities have uncovered approximately a dozen cases involving homegrown terrorists.

The most recent incident of homegrown terror involved a plot to kill soldiers at Fort Dix.

"I think this highlights and emphasizes the threats we face in our new world," said Ray Kelly a Fort Dix, New Jersey commissioner.

Additionally, there is also the case against José Padilla in federal court Monday.

The former Chicago gang member and two others are accused of supporting Islamic extremists around the world.

Officials told USA Today these cases reveal a disturbing trend: Several of the accused plotters are American-born citizens who converted to Islam.

Investigators now believe there is a growing threat of U.S.-based Islamic terrorists who are operating with no connection to al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

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