National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin 

DHS.gov/advisories

If you See Something, Say Something® – Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or all 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: DHS.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: Twitter.com/dhsgov. 

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

August 13, 2021 2:00PM ET 

This Bulletin will expire 

November 11, 2021 at 2:00PM ET 

SUMMARY OF THE TERRORISM THREAT TO THE U.S. HOMELAND

The Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the current 

heightened threat environment across the United States. The Homeland continues to face a diverse and challenging threat 

environment leading up to and following the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks as well religious holidays we 

assess could serve as a catalyst for acts of targeted violence. These threats include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals 

and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign 

influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and 

promote violent activity. Such threats are also exacerbated by impacts of the ongoing global pandemic, including grievances over

public health safety measures and perceived government restrictions. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Through the remainder of 2021, racially- or ethnically-motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) and anti-government/anti-authority violent

extremists will remain a national threat priority for the United States. These extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of COVID-19

variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks.

Pandemic-related stressors have contributed to increased societal strains and tensions, driving several plots by domestic violent extremists,

and they may contribute to more violence this year.

• Additionally, leading up to the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula recently released its first English-language

copy of Inspire magazine in over four years, which demonstrates that foreign terrorist organizations continue efforts to inspire U.S.-based

individuals susceptible to violent extremist influences.

• Historically, mass-casualty domestic violent extremist attacks linked to RMVEs have targeted houses of worship and crowded commercial

facilities or gatherings. Some RMVEs advocate via online platforms for a race war and have

stated that civil disorder provides opportunities to engage in violence in furtherance of 

ideological objectives. The reopening of institutions, including schools, as well as several dates

of religious significance over the next few months, could also provide increased targets of 

opportunity for violence though there are currently no credible or imminent threats identified 

to these locations. 

• Foreign and domestic threat actors, to include foreign intelligence services, international

terrorist groups and domestic violent extremists, continue to introduce, amplify, and

disseminate narratives online that promote violence, and have called for violence against

elected officials, political representatives, government facilities, law enforcement, religious

communities or commercial facilities, and perceived ideologically-opposed individuals. There

are also continued, non-specific calls for violence on multiple online platforms associated with

DVE ideologies or conspiracy theories on perceived election fraud and alleged reinstatement,

and responses to anticipated restrictions relating to the increasing COVID cases.

• Ideologically motivated violent extremists fueled by personal grievances and extremist

ideological beliefs continue to derive inspiration and obtain operational guidance through the

consumption of information shared in certain online communities. This includes information

regarding the use of improvised explosive devices and small arms.

• Violent extremists may use particular messaging platforms or techniques to obscure

operational indicators that provide specific warning of a pending act of violence.

• Law enforcement have expressed concerns that the broader sharing of false narratives and

conspiracy theories will gain traction in mainstream environments, resulting in individuals or

small groups embracing violent tactics to achieve their desired objectives. With a diverse array

of threats, DHS is concerned that increased outbreaks of violence in some locations, as well as

targeted attacks against law enforcement, may strain local resources.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Report suspicious activity and threats

of violence, including online threats, 

to local law enforcement, FBI Field 

Offices, or local Fusion Center. 

• If you know someone who is

struggling with mental health issues

or may be a danger to themself or

others, support is available.

Be Prepared and Stay Informed

• Be prepared for emergency

situations and remain aware of

circumstances that may place you at

risk.

• Maintain digital media literacy to

recognize and build resilience to false

and harmful narratives.

• Make note of your surroundings and

the nearest security personnel.

• Government agencies will provide

details about emerging threats as

information is identified. The public is

encouraged to listen to local

authorities and public safety officials.
National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin 

DHS.gov/advisories

If you See Something, Say Something® – Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or all 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: DHS.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: Twitter.com/dhsgov. 

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

August 13, 2021 2:00PM ET 

This Bulletin will expire 

November 11, 2021 at 2:00PM ET 

• Nation-state adversaries have increased efforts to sow discord. For example, Russian, Chinese and Iranian government-linked media outlets

have repeatedly amplified conspiracy theories concerning the origins of COVID-19 and effectiveness of vaccines; in some cases, amplifying

calls for violence targeting persons of Asian descent.

HOW WE ARE RESPONDING

• DHS will continue to identify and evaluate calls for violence, including online activity associated with the spread of disinformation,

conspiracy theories, and false narratives, by known or suspected threat actors and provide updated information, as necessary.

• DHS continues to encourage the public to maintain awareness of the evolving threat environment and report suspicious activity.

• DHS is coordinating with state and local law enforcement and public safety partners to maintain situational awareness of potential

violence in their jurisdictions and maintain open lines of communication with federal partners.

• DHS is also advancing authoritative sources of information to debunk and, when possible, preempt false narratives and intentional

disinformation, and providing educational materials to promote resilience to the risks associated with interacting with and spreading

disinformation, conspiracy theories and false narratives.

• More broadly, DHS remains committed to identifying and preventing terrorism and targeted violence while protecting the privacy, civil

rights, and civil liberties of all persons.