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Federal Agencies Warn of Lone Wolf Threats to July 4 Celebrations

FBI, DHS have elevated alerts for lone-wolf, small extremist threats despite finding no credible plots.

FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a news conference at the Manassas FBI Field Office, March 27, 2025, in Manassas, Virginia.
FILE - Fireworks burst above the National Mall and, from left, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building, during Independence Day celebrations in Washington on July 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)
A sculpture standing for unity and featuring blended languages in Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. A festival celebrating the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, is planned to take place at the square on July 13.

Overview

  • Joint intelligence bulletins identify lone offenders and small extremist groups as the most significant terrorism threat to major July 4 events in New York City, San Francisco and other large gatherings.
  • Authorities caution about copycat attacks inspired by the New Orleans vehicle-ramming and potential use of drones, chemical irritants or hazardous materials at fireworks displays.
  • San Francisco canceled discretionary officer time off and has all available police on duty to secure an expected crowd of 200,000 at its July 4 fireworks show.
  • New York City plans to deploy hundreds of additional officers and implement road and bridge closures around the Macy’s fireworks display under an elevated threat posture.
  • Several Los Angeles communities called off Fourth of July celebrations over fears of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, reflecting separate local enforcement concerns.