The Threat of Bioterrorism from Domestic U.S. Terrorist Groups

Of the groups discussed in Chapter Four, right wing groups such as the Christian Identity Movement appear to pose the greatest threat of bioterrorism resulting in mass casualties. Left wing groups and special interest groups represent lower risk of mass casualty bioterrorism, but may represent moderate to high risk of isolated acts of bioterrorism. These isolated acts could include anthrax mailings or biological attacks intended to sicken rather than kill the targeted individuals. Perhaps the greatest risk is a biological attack by an unstable or particularly fanatical member or small group of members within one of the larger organizations. The examples discussed in Chapter Four above are illustrative of the types of domestic terrorist groups representing a threat of bioterrorism.