National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin

www.dhs.gov/advisories

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.

DATE AND TIME ISSUED: 11/15/2016 2:00 P.M. ET

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.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

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Our concerns that violent extremists could be inspired to conduct attacks inside the 

U.S. have not diminished.

As the U.S. continues to apply pressure against terrorist-affiliated groups overseas,

attempts by these groups to inspire or even direct attacks inside the U.S. may increase. 

Though we know of no intelligence that is both specific and credible at this time of a 

plot by terrorist organizations to attack the homeland, the reality is terrorist-inspired 

individuals have conducted, or attempted to conduct, attacks in the United States.

DHS is especially concerned that terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown 

violent extremists may be encouraged or inspired to target public events or places.

The holiday season, in particular, provides additional opportunities for violent 

extremists to target public events and places where people congregate.

Terrorist use of the Internet to inspire individuals to violence or join their ranks 

remains a major source of concern.

In the current environment, DHS is also concerned about threats and violence

directed at particular communities and individuals across the country, based on

perceived religion, ethnicity, nationality or sexual orientation.

U.S. GOVERNMENT COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS

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DHS and the 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 enhanced security measures with business owners and operators. The 

public may continue to observe increased law enforcement and security presence, particularly around certain holiday celebrations 

and other large gatherings. The FBI is investigating potential terrorism-related activities associated with this broad threat throughout the United States. 

Federal, state, and local authorities are coordinating numerous law enforcement actions and conducting community outreach to 

address this evolving threat. 

SUMMARY

Since the last NTAS Bulletin issued in June 2016, our basic assessment of the global 

threat environment has not changed. We remain concerned about homegrown violent 

extremists who could strike the homeland with little or no notice. Events since the last 

NTAS Bulletin reinforce this. Accordingly, increased public vigilance and awareness 

continue to be of utmost importance. This was, for example, a crucial component of 

the swift response to the September terrorist actsin New York City and New Jersey. 

DURATION

This Bulletin will expire on

May 15, 2017

at 11:59 p.m. EDT 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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Report suspicious activity to local law 

enforcement or public safety officials who 

are best positioned to respond and offer 

specific details on terroristic indicators. 

Suspicious activity or information about a 

threat may also be reported to Fusion 

Centers and the FBI’s Field Offices - part of 

the Nationwide Suspicious Activity

Reporting Initiative.

Learn how to recognize signs of preoperational planning associated with

terrorism or other criminal activity.

STAY INFORMED •

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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.

NTAS ADVISORY 2016.002.3-B 

BE PREPARED •

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Be prepared for security and plan ahead. 

In populated places, be responsible for 

your personal safety. Make a mental note 

of emergency exits and locations of the 

nearest security personnel. Carry

emergency contact details and any

special needs information with you at all 

times. 

Business owners are encouraged to

Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to 

prepare businesses & employees. 

For more visit Ready and DHS’s 

Hometown Security Campaign.