Anarchist extremist convention attack possible, FBI and DHS warn

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint bulletin warning of potential domestic terrorism during the Republican and Democratic conventions.

The intelligence bulletin, obtained by CNN, states:

"The FBI and DHS assess with high confidence, based on analysis of past similar, high-profile events, anarchist extremists are preparing to use violence and criminal tactics in an attempt to disrupt the Republican National Convention (RNC) planned for 26-30 August in Tampa, Florida and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) planned for 3-6 September in Charlotte, North Carolina."

The FBI defines "high confidence" as judgments "based on high-quality information."

A direct attack against convention centers is unlikely. The agencies suspect extremists to select nearby targets.

Anarchist extremists and other domestic extremist groups probably lack the capability to overcome the heightened security measures at the RNC and DNC venues, but could target nearby infrastructure, including local businesses or transportation systems and law enforcement personnel.

The Daily News reports the Republican convention in Tampa and the Democratic convention in Charlotte each received from Congress $50 million to ensure public safety.

While the report is serious and alarming, Slate makes an important point:

"It's unclear exactly how concerned federal authorities are … partly because the FBI routinely issues intelligence bulletins ahead of major events to warn local authorities of potential security concerns."

CNN has said authorities received intelligence from 5 men arrested for allegedly "plotting to blow up a bridge over the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland." Three of the suspects self-identify as anarchists. CNN quotes an unnamed official saying these men had knowledge of "a series of evolving plots over several months." All five men pled not guilty.

In 2008 at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, 3 anarchist extremists were arrested for "illegally possessing and intending to use manufactured Molotov cocktails."

The FBI-DHS bulletin refers to similar threats:

During past national and international political and economic events, anarchist extremists have blocked streets, intersections, and bridges to disrupt or impede local business operations and public transportation access and, in some instances have initiated violent confrontations with police.