The difference between successful and unsuccessful domestic terrorist attacks is characterized by three parameters, those being the ability to avoid detection by secret services, deliver physical damage or cause casualties, and propagate their message to the general public (Ciluffo et al., 2010). Should any of these key components be missing, the overarching purpose of the domestic terror attack would not be considered achieved. To illustrate this, let us compare two similar examples: Paul Hanson’s case versus Patrick Crusius case, which later became known as the El Paso shooting.
Paul Hanson’s failed terrorist attack was planned against what he identified as “leftist” congress members, journalists, and other public figures in DC (Hauser, 2019). He made some preparations in the form of stockpiling weapons and researching the locations in which they reside. Finally, he did inquire into the protection levels of most government institutions, and researched theoretical information to form the backbone of his beliefs (Hauser, 2019). However, his failure was brought upon by a lack of discretion, as his searches were intercepted by special services, and he was arrested before any of his plans could come into fruition.
Patrick Crusius’s case, and the resulting El Paso shooting, is a successful attempt at achieving similar goals to Paul Hanson (Friedman, 2019). Crusius was more discrete in his information gathering, though it was still the failure of the FBI to intercept them. He chose a more accessible target in the form of Walmart, rather than Congress of Supreme court (Friedman, 2019). He also posted his message on Reddit, and it lasted long enough to be copied and shared by users even after the materials were removed. In so doing, it may inspire future terrorists.
As it is possible to see, both cases featured lone-wolf terrorism perpetrated by access to radical information and the ability to access firearms. The first case was presented during its preparation stage, the other – was not. These findings have far-reaching implications for the existing state of anti-terrorism and public security.
References
Cilluffo, F. J., Cozzens, J. B., and Ranstorp, M. (2010). Foreign fighters: Trends, trajectories, and conflict zones. The George Washington University, Homeland Security Policy Institute. Web.
Friedman, U. (2019). How many attacks will it take until the white-supremacist threat is taken seriously? The Atlantic. Web.
Hauser, C. (2019). Coast guard officer called a ‘domestic terrorist’ pleads guilty to gun and drug charges. The New York Times. Web.