Terrorist Acts Are Not Always Against People 

For example, some people believe they are in the right when they destroy property to make a point for a cause, such as in the case of the vandalizing of car dealerships or the serious arson fires directed at new housing developments.

Although certainly not the only threat, the widely publicized beliefs of organizations like Al Queda are symptomatic of a terrorist group. Their purpose is to disrupt civilian lives and damage structures in order to inflict the maximum possible emotional, physical, and economic damage. They are especially interested in targets that have symbolic value, such as the World Trade Center buildings.

Typical targets are government buildings, mass transit facilities, public buildings, communication and utility facilities, water supply locations, food production sites, and recreational facilities, and any location where large numbers of people gather, such as stadiums, malls, the beach, and so on.

This is where you, America’s security professionals, work! Your awareness and knowledge are crucial to California’s security. 

Things to remember:

  • The primary purpose of terrorism is to frighten a group of people.
  • Not all terrorists have a religious purpose to their actions.
  • US customs agents first become suspicious of Ahmed Ressam as he tried to cross the US / Canada border because he acted hesitant and unsure.
  • The purpose of a terrorist act is to cause emotional pain in its victims and cause economic damage.
  • The following are a list of possible targets for a terrorist act:
  1. Government Buildings
  2. Mass Transit Facilities
  3. Public Buildings
  4. Communication Facilities
  5. Utilities
  6. Water-Supply Locations
  7. Food Production Sites
  8. Recreational Facilities
  9. A Mall
  10. A Stadium And More.