The Hidden Threat: How Domestic Terrorism is Growing Right Here in America

 

Violence Next Door: How Domestic Terrorism is Creeping Into Our Communities

     Domestic terrorism is not just something that happens in faraway lands or on the news; it's right here in America, and it's growing more dangerous by the day. Violence-prone groups, from white supremacists to anti-government militias, have taken root across the country, driven by their ideologies and hatred, threatening every community they touch.

     Take white supremacist organizations, for example. These groups, like the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and newer factions like Atomwaffen Division and The Base, don’t just preach hate—they act on it. They've turned their venomous ideologies against minorities, immigrants, and anyone they deem "un-American." These extremists don’t just speak in coded language online; they're responsible for real-world violence. And make no mistake, they aren't the only ones. 

Get ‘MISSION OF VENGEANCE’ now and take a journey of espionage and intrigue with CIA operative Corey Pearson. 

     On the flip side, anti-government militia movements are just as dangerous. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Three Percenters see the government as their enemy. They believe that taking up arms is their duty, and they’ve proven it, engaging in violent standoffs with federal authorities. It’s not some wild conspiracy to them—it's their reality. And this twisted worldview continues to inspire more people to join their ranks.

     Even groups like Antifa, while advocating against far-right extremism, have found themselves tangled in violent clashes, particularly during protests that erupt into chaos. And on the environmental and animal rights fronts, organizations like the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) have taken to arson and sabotage, convinced that destruction is a justifiable means to save the planet or its creatures.

     Anti-abortion extremists bring another layer of violence to the domestic terrorism scene. Groups like the Army of God have bombed clinics and assassinated doctors, thinking they're on some divine mission to stop abortion by any means necessary. The problem is, these actions only deepen the cycle of fear and hatred.

     Amid all this chaos, it’s easy to miss the broader ripple effects of domestic terrorism on the nation. Beyond the immediate tragedy of lost lives, the economy takes a hit as well. Terrorist acts undermine public confidence, disrupt markets, deter tourism, and send insurance costs soaring. However, there are steps Americans can take to protect themselves—find out more in Combatting Domestic Terrorism: The Role of Citizen Vigilance.

     It doesn’t stop there. Factors like previous criminal activity, extremist group membership, substance abuse, and even mental illness all serve as radicalization mechanisms for these individuals and groups. And when we hear that antisemitic hate crimes spiked 337% after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, it becomes alarmingly clear that extremists are lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

     This backdrop of domestic terrorism isn't just a distant storyline in the news—it’s the world CIA spymaster Corey Pearson finds himself caught up in during the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster spy thriller series. Corey and his CIA teammate Ana are framed for the murder of an American tourist in the Bahamas, a crime they didn’t commit. Yet, extremist media outlets and a corrupt U.S. senator, eyeing the presidency, are inflaming right-wing militia groups to hunt them down. It's a chilling reminder of how dangerous propaganda can be when mixed with fringe movements, pushing real people toward violent action.

     The sad reality is, law enforcement remains vigilant, but these threats are complex and ever-changing. Federal agencies like the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center are issuing warnings, especially as the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel approaches. Extremists are ready to seize on any event that aligns with their twisted worldviews, and whether it’s antisemitic hate crimes, militia threats, or eco-terrorism, no one is truly safe from the potential for violence right here at home.

     Domestic terrorism is alive and well in the U.S., and as much as we’d like to believe it's someone else's problem, the truth is it could happen anywhere—next door, at the store, or during a peaceful protest. These groups don’t discriminate when it comes to spreading their fear, and the danger they pose is as real as it gets. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.