In the United States Domestic terrorism is an aspect that has brought trauma and suffering to its residents. There is need to understand the major causes and the reasons behind the terrorist attacks. This is the only way that the vice can be eliminated and controlled from happening. Domestic terrorism is defined as planned acts of violence against people of a particular country or state by people and forces of the same country or state to instill fear and gain audience. These violence acts are staged to attain attention and have motives which can be religious, race, political and philosophical aspects on nature or denied rights. The violence acts committed by the terrorists can be on people, properties, and monuments.
These kinds of domestic violence are in most cases directed to the government, human rights violators and organizations that deal with sensitive issues for instance nature (Lou 15). The weapons used in domestic terrorism ranges from chemical weapons, use of arms, and other biological agents. Domestic terrorism has harshly affected the civilians of a country, military units, and a country (Bohn 45). It degrades the morale of a cohesive of nationalist and the security forces.
In United States domestic terrorism can be traced back to the 19th century. Early in the 19th century domestic terrorists were majorly aimed at the government by forces which were against the government ideologies. A good example is the Harper’s Ferry raid by the abolitionist John Brown. In this incident John Brown raided the nation arsenal along with his forces. In the incident many residents of the Harper’s Ferry were killed. The main agenda of the raid was to warn the Southerners of the violation acts of enslaving the blacks in their locality. It was a way of expressing their ideology and at the same time demanding attention. Since then United States has experienced a number or similar of unique attacks by the terrorists from within the nation. Some of the early days domestic’s attacks includes the Haymarket Square bombing and Watts Riots (Brent 92).
Currently there are many acts of domestic terrorism that have staged their violent acts in the United States. An example of domestic terrorism is the Army of God organization that staged their attacks in the United States. They attacked abortion clinics and same sex night clubs. This group attributed to violence to pass the notion that abortion was wrong. They harshly criticized the same sex marriages and relationship. To be heard they organized the attacks in the more sensitive areas the abortion clinics and the lesbian and gay hangout joints. To get a massive audience they staged their biggest attack on the then ongoing Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. The group confirmed their participation by sending letters to a newspaper.
The Oklahoma City bombing was the worst act of domestic terrorism to have occurred in the United States. The bombing occurred on 19th April, 1995 where many people were killed and many casualty cases were reported at the time (Lou 65). Initially, it was assumed that the Islamists were responsible for the attacked that rendered the nation in a state of panic and fear. It was later found out that the attack was staged by white American neo Nazi. The attack by the neo Nazi was motivated by the murder of their fellow Nazi member Branch Davidians who was killed in Texas. The neo Nazis believed that Branch was killed by the government officials (Serano 134). These attacks were therefore to avenge for the death of their member. It was also a way to express their grief at the same time call for attention by the government. The weapon used in the attack was staged in a car which was loaded with chemical agents.
There many other domestic attacks that have rocked united States and its residents. Among other examples includes the Columbine school massacre, bombing of Wall Street, Ludlow Massacre, Jewish Defense League attacks, Centennial Olympic Park bombing, Los Angeles Times building bombing among many (Brent 112). This attacks have either being staged by individuals or a group of people who come together to form an organization. In every attack the individual or the organization acts through an influence with the aim of trying to express their grievances and demand for audience. Some have worthy causes but the mode of passing the information is normally gruesome, dreadful, and harmful.
In conclusion, Domestic terrorism has been a threat to the nation pausing fear and many suffering to the civilians. There is need for the government to step up measures in dealing with terrorists when apprehended. Policies and rules must be enacted to ensure that the civilians are protected from the attacks by the terrorists. The government should create organization that deals with issues that concern with national security. An example of these organization is the Department of Homeland Security that deals with training security agents on ways to handle and prevent terroristic attacks. Dialogues and education is very vital for eradicating and preventing Domestic Terrorism from happening.
Works Cited
Bohn, Michael. The Achille Lauro Hijacking: Lessons in the Politics and Prejudice of Terrorism. New York: Brassey’s Inc, 2004. Print
Brent, L., Smith. Terrorism in America: pipe bombs and pipe dreams. New York: Sunny press, 1994. Print.
Lou, Michel and Dan Herbeck. American Terrorist. New York: Regan books, 1975. Print.
Serano, Richard. One of Ours: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1998. Print.