What Is a Domestic Terrorist?
Definitions, legal framework, and categories of domestic terrorist acts under U.S. law
Dictionary Definition
A domestic terrorist is a person who engages in acts of terrorism within their own country, typically motivated by political, ideological, religious, racial, or social grievances, with the aim of intimidating or coercing a civilian population or government.
Full U.S. Government Legal Definition
There are two key layers to the official U.S. definition:
18 U.S.C. § 2331(5) — The USA PATRIOT Act (Primary Federal Law)
“Domestic terrorism” means activities that:
(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
(B) appear to be intended —
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
— 18 U.S.C. § 2331, added by Section 802 of the USA PATRIOT Act (2001)
FBI Operational Definition
Domestic terrorism consists of violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.
— Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Code of Federal Regulations (28 C.F.R. § 0.85)
Terrorism includes the unlawful use of force and 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.
Categories of Acts Considered Domestic Terrorism
The following are the general types of acts that, when carried out with ideological intent to intimidate a population or coerce a government, may be classified as domestic terrorism:
1. Mass Violence Against Civilians
Bombings, mass shootings, or other attacks on public gatherings, institutions, or civilian populations carried out with a political or ideological motive.
2. Assassination & Targeted Killing
Politically or ideologically motivated killings of government officials, law enforcement, public figures, or other symbolic targets.
3. Kidnapping & Hostage-Taking
Abducting individuals to coerce government action, gain political leverage, or make an ideological statement. Explicitly named in the federal statute as a qualifying method.
4. Attacks on Critical Infrastructure
Intentional destruction or sabotage of power grids, water systems, transportation networks, financial systems, communications infrastructure, or other key national resources.
5. Weapons of Mass Destruction (CBRN)
Deployment or threatened use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials against a population, facility, or infrastructure with ideological intent.
6. Arson & Explosive Devices
Fire-setting or bombing of buildings, vehicles, or facilities driven by ideological goals — including government buildings, houses of worship, clinics, or other symbolic targets.
7. Cyberterrorism
Attacking computer systems, networks, or digital infrastructure with intent to cause widespread disruption, fear, or coercion of a government or civilian population.
8. Organized Threats & Intimidation Campaigns
Coordinated campaigns of credible threats — delivered in person, in writing, or online — designed to coerce a civilian population or government into changing behavior or policy.
9. Seditious Conspiracy & Armed Insurrection
Coordinated efforts to forcibly oppose, overthrow, or interfere with the authority of the U.S. government through violence or the threat of force.
10. Material Support & Facilitation
Financing, recruiting for, training with, or otherwise providing resources to groups or individuals engaged in domestic terrorism — even without directly committing a violent act.
11. Attacks on Government Facilities or Personnel
Violence directed at courthouses, military installations, police stations, federal buildings, or government employees, carried out with political or ideological intent.
12. Eco-terrorism & Ideologically-Motivated Property Destruction
Sabotage or destruction of property carried out in furtherance of environmental, animal rights, or other single-issue ideologies. Note: this category is legally contested — critics including the ACLU have argued the federal definition may be broad enough to unintentionally sweep in protected activist activity.
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