Top FBI official warns 9/11 is still inspiring terrorists inside America 25 years later

Key Points:

• Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, U.S. federal authorities warn that threats from foreign terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS remain significant and have become harder to detect due to online radicalization through social media and the internet.
• The FBI believes it is better equipped now to prevent large-scale terrorist plots due to advancements in legislation, intelligence, and bureau capabilities, but warns that terrorist groups are increasingly focusing on recruiting "lone offenders" within the U.S.
• In the past 18 months, the FBI has arrested at least 16 individuals in the U.S. for plotting or supporting attacks on behalf of al-Qaeda or ISIS, while worldwide membership of these groups has grown, with ISIS estimated at 18,000 members and al-Qaeda at 28,000.
• The FBI emphasizes that 9/11 remains a powerful motivator for online radicalization, as demonstrated by recent arrests such as Jessica Bowie, who allegedly plotted a bombing in Albany, New York, and expressed admiration for the 9/11 attacks on social media.
• FBI leadership stresses that combating terrorism remains a top priority with adequate resources, highlights emerging threats like drone attacks, and urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through campaigns like "See something, say something."