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If You See Something, Say SomethingTM. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

The National Terrorism Advisory System provides information on homeland security issues and threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland 

Security. More information is available at: www.dhs.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: www.twitter.com/dhsgov 

If You See Something Say SomethingTM used with permission of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin www.dhs.gov/advisories May 9, 2018 2:00PM EDT

BE PREPARED • Be prepared for security and plan ahead. 

Anticipate delays and restrictions on 

items around populated places and at 

public events. 

• Be responsible for your personal safety. 

Know where emergency exits and 

security personnel are located. Carry 

emergency contact and special needs 

info with you. 

• Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to 

prepare businesses & 

employees. Security tools/resources can 

be accessed through the DHS’s 

Hometown Security Campaign.

SUMMARY OF TERRORISM THREAT TO THE U.S. HOMELAND 

Since 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used this Bulletin to highlight the continuing 

terror threat to the U.S. Homeland. The United States is engaged in a generational fight against terrorists 

who seek to attack the American people, our country, and our way of life. An informed, vigilant and engaged 

public remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential terrorists and prevent attacks. 

DURATION

This Bulletin will 

expire on

September 14, 2018 

at 1:00 PM EDT 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS 

• We continue to face one of the most challenging threat environments since 9/11, as foreign terrorist 

organizations exploit the Internet to inspire, enable, or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit 

terrorist acts. Homegrown terror suspects increasingly rely on technology, such as end-to-end encrypted social 

media applications, to avoid detection.

• Terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy-to-use tools to target public places and events. Specific attack 

tactics have included the use of vehicle ramming, small arms, straight-edged blades or knives, homemade 

explosives, and poisons or toxins.

• Some terrorist groups overseas are using battlefield experiences to pursue new technologies and tactics, such 

as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents that could be used outside the conflict zones. Additionally, 

terrorists continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo, including with concealed explosives.

• Violent extremist media encourages individuals worldwide to launch attacks using all means possible. 

Continued U.S. and partner successes in disrupting and defeating terrorists on the battlefield may encourage 

homegrown terrorists to carry out acts of violence in the homeland instead of attempting to travel overseas to 

fight or in retaliation for apparent losses.

• Additionally, foreign terrorist fighters who have acquired training and battle-tested terrorism experience may 

flee from terrorist-controlled territories with a desire to conduct attacks elsewhere, including the United States.

U.S. GOVERNMENT COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS 

• DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to provide guidance to state, local, tribal and 

territorial partners related to the current threat environment. DHS also partners closely with the private sector 

to provide risk assessments and coordinate security measures with business owners and operators. The public 

may continue to observe law enforcement and security activity in and around public places and events.

• DHS protects the homeland from terrorism by working closely with the FBI and other intelligence partners to 

detect and disrupt terror suspects, putting in place additional screening and vetting measures to identify 

suspicious travelers and cargo, combating violent radicalization and terrorist recruitment in our communities, 

monitoring emerging threats, and engaging with foreign partners.

• More broadly, DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific 

populations on the basis of their religion, ethnicity or identity.

HOW YOU CAN HELP • Report suspicious activity to local law 

enforcement who are best to offer 

specific details on terroristic indicators.

• Report suspicious activity or information 

about a threat, including online activity, 

to fusion centers and the FBI’s Field 

Offices – part of the Nationwide 

Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative. 

• Learn how to recognize signs of 

pre-operational planning associated with 

terrorism or other criminal activity.

STAY INFORMED • The U.S. Government will provide additional 

information about any emerging threat as 

additional information is identified. The 

public is encouraged to listen to local law 

enforcement and public safety officials.

• We urge Americans to continue to travel, 

attend public events, and freely associate 

with others but remain vigilant and aware of 

surroundings.

• The Department of State issues 

international travel alerts and warnings. 

• For additional information visit Ready.

TYPES OF 

ADVISORIES

Bulletin

Describes current 

developments or 

general trends 

regarding threats 

of terrorism.

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible 

terrorism threat 

against the United 

States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a 

credible, specific 

and impending 

terrorism threat 

against the United 

States.