The FBI's Baltimore Division is responsible for investigating all terrorist-related activity in both Maryland and Delaware.
The FBI defines terrorism as, "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." The FBI further classifies terrorism as either domestic or international, depending on the origin, base and objectives of the terrorist organization.
Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals who are based and operate entirely within the United States and Puerto Rico without foreign direction and whose violent acts are directed at elements of the U.S. Government or population. Domestic terrorism investigations are conducted in accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines on General Crimes, Racketeering Enterprises, and Domestic Security/Terrorism Investigations. These guidelines set forth the predication threshold and limits for investigation of crimes, including criminal activities in support of terrorist objectives.
Terrorism is a crime under several existing federal statutes. There are several U. S. Code sections which define the criminality of terrorism (for example, 18 USC 2332b (g) (5), Acts of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries; and 18 USC 2331(1), Definition of "International Terrorism"; and 18 USC 921 (a) (22), Firearms). Additionally, there are provisions in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 which make fundraising for a terrorist organization a criminal offense, and criminal participation in international terrorist activities on U. S. soil a criminal offense. All suspected terrorists placed under arrest are provided access to legal counsel and normal judicial procedure, including Fifth Amendment privileges and a fair trail by judge and jury.
The FBI investigates terrorism-related matters without regard to race, religion, national origin, or gender. Reference to individual members of any political, ethnic, or religious group in this report does not imply that all members of that group are terrorists. Terrorists represent a small criminal minority in any large social context.
The FBI divides terrorist-related activity into three categories:
1. A terrorist incident is a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof.
2. A suspected terrorist incident is a potential act of terrorism in which responsibility for the act cannot be attributed at the time to a known or suspected terrorist group or individual.
3. A terrorism prevention is a documented instance in which a violent act by a known or suspected terrorist group or individual with the means and a proven propensity for violence is successfully interdicted through investigative activity.
If you become aware of anyone planning any kind of bombing or terrorist actions, please call the Baltimore FBI at 410-265-8080 immediately! Your identity will be protected.
