NCJ Number
103803
Date Published
1986
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Although terrorism declined in the United States during 1985, continuing sources of concern include the increase in violence by Jewish militants, the existence of a network of right-wing extremist organizations, and an apparent shift in the nature of antiabortion terrorist operations.
Abstract
One hundred and eleven of the approximately 450 acts of terrorism worldwide during 1985 were directed against American targets. The decline in terrorism within the United States probably resulted from effective law enforcement efforts and declining support from group members. The increase in terrorism among Jewish extremists associated with the Jewish Defense League could become part of an international cycle of terrorism and vigilante responses. Right-wing extremists include neo-Nazis, anti-Semites, racists, and survivalists. These groups are well-trained, violent, and unpredictable. Unlike left-wing groups, they have been able to attract new recruits and have used popular political issues to build their power base. Evidence exists of growing right-wing extremist involvement in the antiabortion movement. In addition, some of the most recent bombings directed against abortion clinics have demonstrated a clear intent to kill people. Footnotes.