Knowing the warning signs of domestic terrorism and violent extremism is imperative for both law enforcement leaders and line officers. First, they must understand what domestic terrorism is and what it is not. The definition of domestic terrorism is found under 18 USC Section 2331.

Acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State; appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping and occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.¹

To discuss domestic terrorism fully, it’s important to review the face of hate inside the United States—how it has changed over time and how, in many ways, the phenomenon has remained constant.