The FBI responded by increasing its forensic skills and counterterrorist training. New laboratory techniques, better tracking records, computerization of files and fingerprints, and development of undercover skills all contributed to more effective handling of these sensitive investigations in conformity with attorney general guidelines. Plots were uncovered and steps were taken to neutralize them. In one undercover operation, we used a special agent who had lost an eye as a paratrooper in Vietnam to defeat a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India while in this country. The special agent, who had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, had once more served his country well.
Terrorists have certain advantages over the average criminal.
They usually work in small, cellular groups to lessen the likelihood of being penetrated. They can pick their target and their moment to strike. Still, the FBI, with help from other agencies, has been able to detect the planning of such activities in a number of cases and prevent them from happening. In other cases, good investigative skills have brought the perpetrators to justice and prevented similar events from happening in the future. The capacity to inflict major harm with readily available materials by small groups with little expertise has already been demonstrated.