National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin 

DHS.gov/advisories

November 10, 2021 4:00PM ET 

This Bulletin will expire 

February 8, 2022 at 4:00PM ET 

 

**The NTAS Bulletin issued on August 13, 2021 and 

set to expire on November 11, 2021 is hereby canceled. 

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

The Secretary of Homeland Security has issued an updated 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 as it approaches several religious holidays and associated mass gatherings that in the past have served as

potential targets for acts of violence. These threats include those posed by individuals and small groups engaged in violence, 

including domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign 

influences. These actors continue to exploit online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote 

violent activity. The ongoing global pandemic continues to exacerbate these threats, in part due to perceived government 

overreach in implementation of public health safety measures. Further, foreign terrorist organizations and DVEs continue to 

attempt to inspire potential followers to conduct attacks in the United States, including by exploiting recent events in Afghanistan. 

As of November 10, 2021, DHS is not aware of an imminent and credible threat to a specific location in the United States.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Following the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the U.S. withdrawal from 

Afghanistan, violent extremist media branches of al-Qa’ida and its affiliates, as well as the 

Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham (ISIS), have celebrated perceived victories over the United 

States and encouraged the use of violence by their followers and supporters to further their 

objectives. These foreign terrorist organizations will likely continue to maintain a highly visible 

online presence in an attempt to inspire U.S.-based individuals to engage in violent activity.

• Through the remainder of 2021 and into 2022, racially or ethnically motivated violent 

extremists and anti-government/anti-authority violent extremists will continue to pose a 

threat to the United States. Pandemic-related stressors have contributed to increased societal 

strains and tensions, driving several plots by DVEs, and they may contribute to more violence 

this and next year. If a new COVID-19 variant emerges and new public health restrictions are 

imposed as a result, anti-government violent extremists could potentially use the new 

restrictions as a rationale to target government or public health officials or facilities. In 

addition, some DVEs have attempted to use the relocation of Afghan nationals to the United 

States to exacerbate historical DVE grievances over immigration and the American Muslim 

community.

• Historically, DVEs and individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations have targeted 

crowded commercial facilities, houses of worship, and public gatherings, which have at times 

caused mass causalities. The continued reopening of commercial and government facilities

and the potential for ongoing societal and economic disruptions due to the pandemic, as well 

as mass gatherings associated with several dates of religious significance over the next few 

months, could provide increased targets of opportunity for violence, though there are 

currently no credible or imminent threats tied to any dates or locations. 

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

organizations, and DVEs, 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 ideological opponents. 

• Ideologically motivated violent extremists fueled by personal grievances and violent extremist 

ideological beliefs continue to derive inspiration from and obtain operational guidance, 

including regarding the use of improvised explosive devices and small arms, through the 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• We all play a role in keeping our 

communities safe. Stay vigilant and 

say something when you see signs of 

suspicious activity. 

• Report suspicious activity and threats 

of violence, including online threats, 

to local law enforcement, FBI Field 

Offices, or your local Fusion Center. 

• If you know someone who is 

struggling with mental health issues 

or may be a danger to themselves or 

others, support is available. 

• Get engaged in prevention efforts in 

your community. Learn more about 

community-based prevention efforts 

that help individuals stay off the 

pathway to violence. 

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. Listen to 

local authorities and public safety 

officials.

If You See Something, Say Something® – 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: 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.
National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin 

DHS.gov/advisories

November 10, 2021 4:00PM ET 

This Bulletin will expire 

February 8, 2022 at 4:00PM ET 

 

**The NTAS Bulletin issued on August 13, 2021 and 

set to expire on November 11, 2021 is hereby canceled. 

consumption of information shared in online forums. The use of encrypted messaging by violent extremists may obscure operational 

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

• Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns that the broad sharing of false narratives and conspiracy theories that endorse the use 

of violence will continue to gain traction, resulting in individuals or small groups embracing violent tactics to achieve their desired 

objectives. DHS is concerned that increased acts of violence, as well as targeted attacks against law enforcement, may strain local resources

and challenge the ability of law enforcement to maintain the safety and security of local communities. 

HOW WE ARE RESPONDING

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

the current threat environment. Specifically, DHS has issued numerous intelligence assessments to SLTT officials on the evolving threat.

• DHS is engaging industry partners to help them identify and respond to the spread of disinformation, conspiracy theories, and false 

narratives on social media and other online platforms. 

• DHS has prioritized combatting DVE threats within its Homeland Security Grant Program as a National Priority Area and its Targeted 

Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program. 

• DHS remains committed to working with our partners to identify and prevent all forms of terrorism and targeted violence.

If You See Something, Say Something® – 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: 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.