Leading the Conversation
NCITE experts regularly weigh in on important topics in national, state, and local media.
December
Cybersecurity hack stalls $45M-plus project in White Lake Township
Dec. 05, 2024 | WXYZ Detroit
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, commented on a cybersecurity attack that caused a township's Civic Center project to be halted.
November
Foreign fighters flocking to Islamic State in Somalia
Nov. 20, 2024 | Voice of America
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, discussed the growth of the Islamic State's affiliate in Somalia, IS-Somalia. Doctor said: "A number of factors present in the Horn (of Africa) and other Africa regions as well will likely appeal to aspiring travelers looking to join the rank and file of an extremist militant organization ... Global and local security forces should prepare to see more of this in the near-term."
Experts: ‘People we trust’ target youth for sex
Nov. 6, 2024 | Lansing City Pulse
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, was mentioned in an article about how the internet is used to perpetrate sexual crimes. He said: “The subset of people using technology for this kind of behavior has been there, but it’s been simplified in dramatic ways. There’s always going to be people who are interested in doing this kind of thing, but there are others who might not have thought about it previously who use social media to try to engage with youth."
Professors Creating Computing Models to Increase Public Trust During Elections
Nov. 4, 2024 | UConn Today
This article focused on NCITE's project with University of Connecticut faculty Benjamin Fuller, Ph.D.; Laurent Michel, Ph.D.; Ghada Almashaqbeh, Ph.D.; and Alexander Russell, Ph.D.
October
Woman charged with threatening Texas judge after abortion pill ruling
Oct. 24, 2024 | Reuters
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was credited as the first reporter to cover the indictment of a woman who threatened a Texas judge in 2023 after the court suspended mifepristone, a drug used to conduct abortions.
Teen arrested for plotting ISIS-inspired terror attack on Phoenix Pride parade
Oct. 23, 2024 | Arizona's Family
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was quoted in an article about a 17-year-old, inspired by ISIS, who was arrested for allegedly planning an attack on a Phoenix Pride parade with a remote-controlled drone. This teenager is part of a rising trend of young people being influenced by terror groups. Hughes wrote: "You’re talking about individuals that are just forming kind of the process of who they are and trying to make sense of the world. And they’re finding that in an echo chamber online that says that their extremist beliefs are okay."
Security Takes Investment of Thought, Time, Effort
Oct. 22, 2024 | San Diego Business Journal
NCITE researcher and co-director of San Diego State University's Graduate Program in Homeland Security Lance Larson was quoted in an article about cybersecurity as well as the creation of a "Cyber Clinic" where students from three institutions, including SDSU, will help cybersecurity efforts in nonprofits, small businesses, and local governments. Larson, the principal investigator of the clinic, said: “We are the only multi-institutional clinic that currently exists ... We are playing to those strengths, working with the entire region.”
Arizona man arrested for sending threatening messages to FBI
Oct. 17, 2024 | Arizona's Family
NCITE research was cited in an article about a man who was indicted for making threatening communications against the FBI across state lines.
FBI, French authorities coordinate on Islamic State arrests
Oct. 16, 2024 | VOA
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, discussed concerns about Islamic State (IS) actors, specifically actors from the Afghan IS affiliate IS-Khorasan (IS-K), planning to attack European countries and the United States in the wake of recent arrests relating to terrorist plots connected to IS. He said: "We've seen ISIS-K make a concerted effort to recruit from diaspora communities ... It will be another important factor to watch as more information becomes available."
Inside the Violence and Radicalization of America's Neo-Nazi Youth
Oct. 15, 2024 | Vanity Fair
Pete Simi, NCITE researcher and professor at Chapman University, was quoted in an article about different Neo-Nazi figures and the recruitment of young people to Neo-Nazi groups. While discussing Jacob Kaderli, who was part of the Base (a neo-Nazi group) and was convicted of plotting to kill an anti-fascist family, still embraces National Socialism after serving much of his sentence. Kaderli could be released from prison next year. Simi said: "Do we have a magic bullet that’d be suitable for the Jakes of this world? Of course not, but talking to a person and asking them questions at a minimum, we’ve got to do that."
The Kids Are Not Alright
Oct. 13, 2024 | Lawfare
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, authored an article about the the difficulties of prosecuting teenagers for terrorism and extremism-related crimes as cases of teenagers involved in terrorism increase.
The return of al-Qaeda and Islamic State
Oct. 12, 2024 | The Telegraph
NCITE researcher and co-director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), Shiraz Maher was quoted in an article about the regrouping of IS and al-Qaeda. He said: “The issue of Israel is so transcendental to the jihadist groups, it is so important to hate on Israel, that it has definitely energised the global jihad movement in a way that has not been seen for many years.”
Protecting your data: recent cyber attacks make security top priority for Michigan hospitals
Oct. 11, 2024 | WILX10
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, offered context about cybercrime in an article about an email leak causing the personal information of 57,000 patients to be released. He said: "Most hackers who are going to attack a hospital are going to be sophisticated and will have multiple ways to get inside of a network... That means you’ve got to have employees there that understand the parameters they have to work with, and then secure those systems to the best of their ability.”
Quiet Warrior: Counterterrorism's Brett Homgren
Oct. 10, 2024 | SpyTalk
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was quoted in an article about the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC), saying “There’s nothing like it within the IC (intelligence community).”
Afghan charged in Election Day terror plot passed multiple screenings
Oct. 10, 2024 | VOA News
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, commented on the readicalization of an Afghan national living in the United States planning to carry out a terror attack on election day. Doctor said: "We don't know yet whether he radicalized after arriving to the United States or if he already held pro-ISIS beliefs prior to leaving Afghanistan ... This matters."
D.C. audit of police ranks for links to white supremacy nears completion
Oct. 9, 2024 | The Washington Post
A study examining how U.S. law enforcement screens for insider threats led by Erin Kearns, head of prevention research initiatives at NCITE, was cited in an article about a probe into whether police officers in Washington, D.C., have ties to hate groups.
Election Security Summit
On Oct. 9, NCITE hosted the secretaries of state from Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and Kansas for a summit on election security. Read coverage from the following news outlets:
- Midwest secretaries of state address election security, voter confidence
- Oct. 16, 2024 | Seward County Independent
- The vote will be accurate': State election, federal officials assure voters in Omaha
- Oct. 10, 2024 | Omaha World-Herald
- Midwest secretaries of state host election security and integrity summit in Nebraska
- Oct. 9, 2024 | Nebraska Examiner
- Election 2024: U.S., state officials discuss election security
- Oct. 9, 2024 | WOWT6
- 'Prepared for the full range of threats': Midwest Secretaries of state share election security measures
- Oct. 9, 2024 | KETV7
- Election official focus in on election security and integrity
- Oct. 9, 2024 | 10/11 NOW
Maine must help families at the frontline in the fight against violence
Oct. 1, 2024 | Bangor Daily News
Karyn Sporer, NCITE researcher and associate professor at the University of Maine, wrote a piece about how important it is to equip families to take action when they are concerned about a loved one moving towards violent extremism. She notes that while family members notice signs of violent extremism, challenges within the family, a lack of knowledge about radicalization, and institutional barriers often hinder their ability to intervene.
September
What the Hezbollah Pager Attack Reminds Us ABout the Logic and Risks of Terrorist Innovation
Sept. 24, 2024 | Modern War Institute
NCITE Head of Counterterroism Research Initiatives Austin Doctor and NCITE Head of Strategic Initiatives Sam Hunter co-authored a piece about how terrorists engage in creativity and use technology to achieve their goals. They note that sometimes terrorists will use a more low-tech solution when it is useful for them to do so, such as when Hezbollah decided to use pagers and landlines instead of cell phones for their communications.
'Before a weapon comes to school': Nebraska schools address non-credible threats after recent shootings
Sept. 12, 2024 | KETV7
NCITE researcher Mario Scalora, director of the Public Policy Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, talked about threats to schools, specifically false threats about schools in Nebraska, posted online. Threats to schools, he said, happen in other places. "So, it's not unusual, and it's not just a Nebraska phenomenon."
August
Ticket trouble at former president Trump's Potterville rally
Aug. 29, 2024 | WILX10
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, discussed scams related to presidential campaign events. This comes after a scam where people wanting to attend a campaign event for former President Donald Trump gave personal information to obtain tickets for the event, only for the tickets to be fakes. Holt said: "Don’t just immediately click on something because you think it is legitimate, really vet your source first before you act on it ... With politics in particular it’s very easy for people to prey on your emotions, how you feel in the moment, and elicit a response for you. That’s what scammers depend on."
The rise and fall of Britain's imfamous preacher of hate
Aug. 17, 2024 | The New Statesman
NCITE researcher and co-director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), Shiraz Maher wrote an article about Anjem Choudary, an infamous Islamic extremist in Britain who was convicted of directing a terrorist organization and sentenced to 28 years in prison. He writes, "Choudary revelled in his status as one of the country’s most notorious hate preachers; an anti-hero who took comfort and pride in the discomfort and suffering he caused the country. He inspired scores of young men both at home and abroad to do the same."
Defense Dept. Contractor Arrested With Dozens of Classified Documents
Aug. 9, 2024 | The New York Times
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, co-authored an article about a Defense Department contractor who was charged with illegally obtaining and retaining national defense secrets. He was arrested with dozens of highly classified documents in his possession just before he was supposed to fly to Mexico.
July
Lack of motive in Trump attack frustrates public, but fits a pattern
July 20, 2024 | The Washington Post
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, was interviewed in an article about the lack of clear motivation behind the Trump assassination attempt. While many in the public, and investigators, may be frustrated by the lack of a clear motive or ideological position, this attack fits a pattern of political assassination attempts rarely having political motivations. Ligon offered some insight into the perpetrator's course of action: "It certainly looks like someone who didn’t necessarily want to survive the attack," but perhaps wanted to perpetrate an attack "in a way that’s remembered.”
NCITE: threats against public officials have been on the rise for nearly a decade
July 17, 2024 | KMA
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, was interviewed for an article about threats against public officials in the wake of an assassination attempt targeting Donald Trump. Doctor provided additional information about Improvised Explosive Device attacks. He said: "We have a growing and expanding number of violent, extremists ideologies represented in the homeland... We also know there's not a shortage of targets here--that can include things like public event spaces as well as our critical infrastructure."
Trump's Would-Be Assassin Had Little Time to Prepare - and Left Little Trace of Plot
July 17, 2024 | USA Today
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, provided commentary in this article regarding the competence of Trump's shooter: “The security failures by law enforcement that day helped him look a lot more sophisticated than he would normally.”
'Be Skeptical of Everything': Local Experts Provide Tips on How to Identify AI Content
July 16, 2024 | KETV
Joel Elson, NCITE researcher and assistant professor of IT Innovation at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, shared tips on identifying AI content online and cautioned users to approach content with a critical lens: "Take some time to stop and think, 'Where is this coming from?'"
Florida Man Arrested After Threats to 'Slit Joe Biden's Throat'
July 16, 2024 | Raw Story
NCITE research was cited in this article to have aided Secret Service in capturing a Florida man who had threatened to take President Joe Biden's life.
Violence Plagued All Levels of American Politics Long Before the Attempt on Trump's Life
July 16, 2024 | AP News
Austin Doctor, NCITE head of counterterrorism research initiatives, was quoted in this article about the trend of violence evident in American politics. Doctor said calming the current political climate will require a change in messaging and willingess of voters to engage more openly with those who hold opposing views: “The question that we have to continue to ask is: How do we veer out of this potential spiral?”
We Should Have Seen the Attempted Assassination Coming
July 15, 2024 | Lawfare
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate wrote an opinion piece on why the attempt on Trump's life was a wakeup call, signaling a culmination of targets of threats against law enforcement officers, federal judges, congressional candidates and now, former presidents.
Experts at NCITE React to Saturday's Attempted Assassination on Former President Trump
July 15, 2024 | KMTV
NCITE head of strategic initiatives, Sam Hunter, was interviewed by KMTV following former President Trump's assassination attempt on Saturday, July 13. Hunter described the event as shocking but said the NCITE team will continue to monitor "changes and shifts in rhetoric and precursor incidents that may lead up to larger acts of violence."
The Trump Assassination Attempt Represents a Dark New Chapter in American Politcs
July 15, 2024 | Time Magazine
Time Magazine cited NCITE researchers Pete Simi, Gina Ligon, Seamus Hughes, and Natalie Standridge for their work on the growing number of threats against public officials. Their research suggests federal prosecutions are on track to reach record highs, which could pose significant implications for the U.S. democratic system of governance.
Threats against public officials ticking up: UNO Counterterrorism Experts
July 14, 2024 | KETV
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, spoke with local news outlet KETV following Saturday's assassination attempt on former President Trump during a political rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania. Ligon observes that there is a growing sentiment of anger and that threats of violence against public officials have steadily been on the rise over the last decade.
June
A bad review for a diner led the Secret Service to man who threatened to kill Biden
June 26, 2024 | Raw Story
NCITE researcher Seamus Hughes was cited in this article about a New York man who repeatedly threatened to kill President Biden and was found after leaving a bad review for a diner. The article cites Hughes for locating this fact from federal court documents.
Pennsylvania Man Charged With Threatening State Senator
June 25, 2024 | The Philadelphia Inquirer
NCITE research into the increasing number of threats against public officials was cited in this article about a Pennsylvania man charged with interstate communication of threats of violence after posting videos and other media threatening to kill Pennsylvania state senator Doug Mastriano.
Law Enforcement Teaming Up To Fight Cybercrime
June 20, 2024 | Business Insider India
Thomas Holt, NCITE researcher and professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, leant context to cyberime in this article about a recent massive international sting effort to stem cyber attackers.
Three UNO Students Named NSRI Strategic Deterrence Interns
June 14, 2024 | UNO News
This summer, three UNO students, including former NCITE graduate student Lauren Moss, will train at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), pursuing research solutions for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NCITE's Michelle Black will lead the broader cohort of nine interns.
Steady Rise in Threats Against Public Officials While Confidence in Democracy Declines
June 7, 2024 | Chapman University News
NCITE researcher Pete Simi was cited regarding NCITE research into the increasing number of threats against public officials, summarizing the findings from NCITE's recent publication in the CTC Sentinel, "Rising Threats to Public Officials: A Review of 10 Years of Federal Data."
SDSU, Cyber Center of Excellence...Receive $1M from Google to Launch Cybersecurity Clinic
June 4, 2024 | SDSU News
NCITE researcher and co-director of SDSU's Graduate Program in Homeland Security Lance Larson was quoted in this article about SDSU and the Cyber Center of Excellence's (among others) winning a $1 million grant from Google to establish the San Diego Cyber Clinic. The clinic will provide free cybersecurity for under-resourced organizations and provide students training in cybersecurity and AI skills.
May
"Rising Threats to Public Officials: A Review of 10 Years of Federal Data"
May 2024 | CTC Sentinel
The CTC Sentinel published an article by NCITE researchers providing an overview of the latest findings from NCITE research into the increasing number of threats against public officials in the U.S. The four authors are NCITE researchers Pete Simi, Gina Ligon, Seamus Hughes, and research collaborator Natalie Standridge.
"Public Sector Workers Deserve Better Protection"
May 16, 2024 | Risk and Insurance
NCITE research into the increasing number of threats against public officials was cited in an article advocating for increased, flexible insurance coverage for those affected by violence in the public sector.
"Prisoner sentenced to 4 years for threatening to kill Kamala Harris, Obama, DeSantis"
May 13, 2024 | USA Today
NCITE research into the increasing number of threats against public officials was cited in an article about a man sentenced to further prison time for writing and mailing threats to public figures, including Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Ron DeSantis.
April
"Minnesotan will be sentenced for fighting for ISIS: 'I joined a death cult'"
April 27, 2024 | Minneapolis Star Tribune
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, leant context to a story about a Minnesota man who faces federal charges for traveling abroad to join ISIS. Hughes noted that many people who planned to join ISIS were arrested before they could travel, saying "It is a very select few that actually set their foot on the ground in Syria and Iraq to join the terrorist organization."
"Michigan State University to set up center for cybersecurity training"
April 23, 2024 | WKAR
Thomas Holt, NCITE researcher and professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, talked about a $1 million grant for a team to offer cybersecurity training to local law enforcement in Michigan. He said: “Some local police agencies understand the problem with cyber crime, but the education and training component for local officers is variable ... Our hope is that by being able to offer this as a resource for local agencies, we’re going to improve the overall capability of police agencies across the state”.
"Man tried to help feds investigate his own bomb threats: DOJ"
April 24, 2024 | KTLA
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, first reported on charges against a man who repeatedly called in bomb threats, filed fake search warrants, and pretended to be law enforcement. Sometimes he pretended to be a federal agent to investigate threats he had made. Hughes said: "It is not clear if some of those attempts were successful, but court records say that in at least two instances, a federal clerk’s office was able to prevent the false filings by doing due diligence on discrepancies in the documents.”
"MSU receives $1M to create center for cybersecurity training"
April 16, 2024 | Michigan State University
Thomas Holt, NCITE researcher and professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, was quoted in an article a $1 million grant for the team to offer local police departments information to support cybercrime investigations and responses. He said: “Cybercrime is a massive problem and one that police agencies need regular training on in order to effectively investigate and provide assistance to victims... Colleagues and I have studied police responses to cybercrime and recognize that increasing awareness of the offenses can improve their overall agency’s capacity."
"US Revealed As 'Hotspot for Cybercrime' in Global Study"
April 10, 2024 | Newsweek
Thomas Holt, NCITE researcher and professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, was quoted in an article about the high number of cybercrimes in the United States. "The U.S. is likely a hotspot for cybercrime for a variety of factors ... One issue is the limited policing of certain forms of cybercrime. Computer hacking activities are often difficult for local agencies to investigate, and so it falls to state or federal agencies," he said.
"As the FBI is attacked again, criminal threat cases continue to spike"
April 5, 2024 | USA Today
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, spoke about NCITE's research into threats to public officials after a man drove his car into a barrier at the Atlanta FBI field office. She said, "Unfortunately, we’re on pace for another record-setting year in threats against public officials ... We’re seeing both an increase in violent talk and a laser focus by federal prosecutors to take on these types of cases.”
"Florida man sentenced to prison for threatening to kill Supreme Court justice"
April 2, 2024 | The Hill
NCITE research into the number of threats against public officials was cited in an article about a man who made two threatening voicemails to U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in 2023.
March
"Oklahoma city commissioner faces recall election over ties to white nationalism"
March 29, 2024 | PBS News Hour
Pete Simi, NCITE researcher and professor at Chapman University, was quoted in an article about a group trying to oust an Oklahoma city commissioner who allagedly had relationships with white nationalist groups and admitted to attending the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. Simi said, "The danger of having white supremacists holding local office is that this is part of their agenda in terms of them being able to implement, execute various strategies, various plans as it relates to them wanting to create a white ethnostate, for example, which is obviously a larger plan on the horizon for them."
"'They've never stopped thinking about us': NCITE breaks down ISIS-K terror attack in Russia"
March 26, 2024 | KETV7
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, offered insight into an attack at a concert venue in Russia that killed 130 people. "ISIS really wants to show that they are still a global force. And so, this is something that ISIS likes to do is to be able to attack people in their home countries," she said.
"Airman Accused of Sharing Classified Info With Boogaloo Buddies"
March 20, 2024 | The Daily Beast
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was interviewed for a story about a U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst who is accused of sharing classified info with the Boogaloo Bois. “Dozens of Americans have been arrested in the last few years trying to advance the Boogaloo ideology through violence ... Adherents long for a second civil war and to sow chaos in America. A military member should be nowhere near that ideology,” Hughes said.
"3rd man admits to firebombing O.C. Planned Parenthood in politically motivated attack"
March 3, 2024 | KTLA
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was credited for listing charges against two individuals who pleaded guilty to firebombing a Planned Parenthood in 2022 and planning a series of other attacks, meant to accelerate the beginning of a race war.
"Nebraska lawmakers: Why do election workers need more legal protection"
March 1, 2024 | USA Today
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, was quoted in an article about a Nebraska bill that would increase penalties for harassing election workers. Ligon spoke in favor of the legislation, describing NCITE's research into the increasing number of threats against election workers. “The bar for federal prosecutions is far too high, and our figure does not capture where most reporting starts, which is local,” she said.
February
"Proposals on AI regulation, Election worker safety may be stalled in Nebraska committee"
Feb. 28, 2024 | Nebraska Examiner
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, was quoted in an article about two bills that were introduced to the Nebraska legislature this year: One that would increase penalties for crimes against election workers in Nebraska and another that would regulate the use of AI in advertisements. Ligon commented on the bill about election workers.
"Duke University's David Schanzer on the state of democracy, how U.S. allies view the '24 election"
Feb. 26, 2024 | News From the States
David Schanzer, NCITE researcher and professor at Duke University, was interviewed for an article about the 2024 presidential election, saying that the increasing mainstream support for Russia and authoritarianism is concerning.
"Civic Nebraska hosts AI and Democracy summit at UNL ahead of legislative hearing"
Feb. 26, 2024 | Nebraska Examiner
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on elections. "If you get enough of these threats, enough of these videos made about you, you’re maybe not going to volunteer to be an election official anymore ...That’s what keeps me up at night, is how we can protect election officials here in Nebraska from what I think is an imminent concern of how terrorists are going to use this technology,” she said.
"Publishing: Miranda Steege; 'A Woman's Life is a Human Life'; 'Out of Hiding'; 'Disability Works'"
Feb. 23, 2024 | University Times
Pete Simi, NCITE researcher and professor at Chapman University, was mentioned as a co-author of the book Out of Hiding which describes the continuation of white supremacist extremism in the modern era.
"San Diego man charged with threatening Arizona election official"
Feb. 22, 2024 | The San Diego Union-Tribune
Research from Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, and Pete Simi, NCITE principal investigator and professor at Chapman University, was referenced in an article about the arrest of a man who left threatening messages to an Arizona election official. The man is the 18th person to be federally charged for allegedly threatening a public official. Hughes said, “There are increasing threats against not only high-profile officials like the president, but also, increasingly, against the frontline public servants like election officials ... More and more, the threats result in a chilling effect where less people are willing to raise their hand to assist in the democratic process. Arrests like these help put a marker that threats against public officials should never be the norm.”
"Somalia's Stalled Offensive Against al-Shabaab: Taking Stock of Obstacles"
February 2024 | Combating Terrorism Center
Daisy Muibu, NCITE researcher, wrote an article about the offensive against al-Shabaab in Somalia. She writes, "The initial optimism that characterized the first few months of the Somali government’s offensive against al-Shabaab has, over time, diminished as the counterinsurgency’s momentum has stalled in the central regions of the country. Certainly, clan mobilization against al-Shabaab remains a significant development, and has arguably been the most consequential for the government’s initial gains against al-Shabaab. However, moving forward, significant obstacles need to be overcome before the government can effectively consolidate its gains and fully liberate and stabilize the country."
"'Ethical Hacking' Legislative bills would provide millions to upgrade, test Nebraska cybersecurity"
Feb. 9, 2024 | KETV7
Sam Hunter, head of strategic initiatives at NCITE, was quoted in an article discussing a bill that would provide funding to hire an "ethical hacker" to test the security of state agencies. Hunter said, "It's great to have the current capabilities that we have, but given the rise and trajectory, I would not be surprised that we need to increase our capability."
"Tennessee Man Plotted to Bring Gun and Explosives to the Border, FBI Says"
Feb. 6, 2024 | VICE
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was credited with first reporting about a man who was planning to attack migrants and law enforcement.
January
"Michigan man charged after threatening to hang Biden and Harris, bomb Washington DC"
Jan. 30, 2024 | Fox News
NCITE's research into threats against public officials was highlighted in an article about a Michigan Man federally charged for threatening to bomb Washington D.C. and specific government agencies.
"Northern Mich. man Russell Warren threatened President Biden, bombings, feds say"
Jan. 29, 2024 | The Detroit News
NCITE's research into threats against public officials was highlighted in an article about a Michigan man federally charged for posting threats against President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other government officials on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Global Research Network Research Digest: 2023 in Review"
January 2024 | UN CTED
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives, was mentioned by the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for his publication "Trends in the Return and Prosecution of ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighters."
"Phoenix man charged for threatening President highlights trend"
Jan. 24, 2024 | Arizona's Family
NCITE research was highlighted in an article about the rising number of threats to public officials, examining the case of an Arizona man who recently posted series of threats to assassinate President Biden and Vice President Harris on X.
"Far-Right Extremist Arrested After 4 Years Of Social Media DIY Chemical Weapons Tutorials"
Jan. 23, 2024 | Forbes
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, was quoted in an article about a far-right extremist who posted tutorials about how to build chemical weapons. “We are seeing a surge in bomb related threats connected to political and extremist ideologies,” he said. “IEDs (improvised explosive devices) are appealing to a wide range of terrorists. This is not just al Qaeda. It's not just the Islamic State. It's U.S.-based anarchists and white supremacists too.”
"Prosecutions of threats hit a record high in 2023, researchers confirm"
Jan. 19, 2024 | USA Today
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was quoted in an article about the record number of proesecutions for threats to public officials in 2023. He also described the changing motivations of the perpetrators: “It’s clear from the data that the number of cases is rising as increasingly more ideological, instead of personal, grievances are driving those arrests.”
"Prosecutions of threats hit a record high in 2023, researchers confirm"
Jan. 19, 2024 | USA Today
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was quoted in an article about the record number of proesecutions for threats to public officials in 2023. He also described the changing motivations of the perpetrators: “It’s clear from the data that the number of cases is rising as increasingly more ideological, instead of personal, grievances are driving those arrests.”
"'Incredibly concerning,': Omaha man threatens to kill government officials, NCITE says threats are on the rise"
Jan. 19, 2024 | KETV
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, was interviewed for about threats to public officials. She noted that 2023 marked the highest number of threats recorded since NCITE started tracking them in 2013. She said, “I think my concern as a researcher, as an American, is that it's really just the tip of the iceberg.”
"Episode 2: Anti-institutional extremism in North America"
Jan. 18, 2024 | ICCT
Martha Crenshaw, NCITE researcher and emeritus professor of political science at Stanford University, was interviewed about anti-institutional extremism in North America.
"Faculty reflect on Duke's campus discourse surrounding Israel-Hamas war"
Jan. 18, 2024 | The Chronicle
David Schanzer, NCITE researcher and professor at Duke University, was interviewed in an article about how Duke has been responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the discourse surrounding it. He said, "When I talk about this, I try to talk about humanity on both sides of the issue. The Israeli perspective and the Palestinian perspective, they're both valid. And I think we have to honor both of them and to teach students why this is a difficult problem.”
"15 Years of Bad Israeli Policy Has Fueled the Flames of Anti-Semitism"
Jan. 17, 2024 | The Globe Post
David Schanzer, NCITE researcher and professor at Duke University, wrote an opinion piece about how Israeli policy has contributed to antisemitism.
"Book Review: Scholars analyze extremist white supremacy's grip on U.S. politics and culture"
Jan. 16, 2024 | Associated Press
Pete Simi, NCITE researcher and professor at Chapman University, was mentioned as a co-author of "Out of Hiding: Extremist White Supremacy and How It Can Be Stopped." The book is about white supremacy's political influence and power, as well as the threat that white supremacy poses to the United States.
"The Signal in the Noise: The 2023 Threats and Those on the Horizon"
Jan. 5, 2024 | Lawfare
Austin Doctor, head of counterterrorism research initiatives at NCITE, wrote an article about the worldwide terrorism threat landscape in 2023 and the terrorism outlook for the year ahead.
"2024 Kicks Off With Insane Number of Bomb Threats at State Capitols"
Jan. 3, 2024 | Yahoo! News
NCITE's research into threats against public officials was cited in an article about the bomb threats recieved by several state capitols early in 2024.
"Does FBI involvement in Rochester crash mean terrorism is suspected?"
Jan. 2, 2024 | Democrat and Chronicle
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, was interviewed for an article examining whether terrorism could be involved in a fatal New Years Eve car crash near the Kodak Center in Rochester, N.Y.
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