Police Warn of Rising Fascination with Violence amid Diverse Threats
Senior US and UK police officers report an unprecedented range of terrorist threats, noting a rise in youth and individuals drawn to violence without ideology. They emphasize the dangers of online extremism and false narratives amidst conflicts. Since 2023, UK police have seen an uptick in terrorism investigations and hate crimes.
Senior US and UK police officers have noted an unprecedented array of terrorist threats.
Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary, convicted for promoting banned groups, exemplifies the continued danger from radicalisers.
Among emerging concerns, many individuals, particularly youth, are attracted to violence without any ideological basis.
Rebecca Weiner of the NYPD and the UK's Matt Jukes caution about the influence of online extremism and false narratives, exacerbated by conflicts like Israel-Gaza and Ukraine.
Notably, terror suspects increasingly include under-18s, reflecting a worrying trend in youth radicalization.
Since Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel, UK police initiated numerous terrorism investigations, coupled with a rise in hate crimes.
Beyond non-state actors, 'determined and shameless' state actors from Russia, China, and Iran also pose a growing threat, challenging western democracies.