Is ISIS a Threat to Detroit and Michigan?
Local Shia Muslims deal with an anonymous and unverified message issued by the Islamic State.
Security levels at borders, military bases and elsewhere were raised last week after an anonymous, unverified online threat was apparently issued by the Islamic State terrorist group. The threat named Michigan as a state where the group claims to have recruits ready to strike.
A notice posted on a website called justpaste.it says “ready at our word to attack any target we desire.”
How credible is this threat and how do homeland security and other agencies approach this? Host Stephen Henderson speaks with current Executive Director of the Detroit Crime Commission and former FBI Special Agent in charge for Michigan and NY Field Operations, Andy Arena.
According to Arena, several key points, among others, about ISIS current approach to the U.S. include:
- The vast majority of Muslims living in Detroit are also targets for ISIS.
- What sets ISIS apart from other terrorists is its ability to recruit and brand itself. Recruiting is foremost right now.
- ISIS currently does not appear to have the resources or the interest in putting together a large-scale attack in the U.S., but wants to instill fear through smaller attacks.
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