A joint FBI / NYPD Intelligence bulletin cautions the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may be an attractive target for both foreign and domestic terroristic violence.

While there is no "specific, actionable threat," the bulletin raises concerns that mass gatherings, iconic location and high-profile events, including parades, remain attractive targets for foreign terrorist organizations. Additional threat vectors are those "from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence,"

Multiple European nations warn of an increasing Islamic terror threat. The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, and Germany have increased their internal defense posture as a result. Britain’s MI5 warns “an attack is likely.” A knife attack at a German music festival in August killed 4 and injured 7, with the Islamic State claiming responsibility. An Islamic State attack on a concert hall outside Moscow in April killed 130 and injured 500.

Anti-Israel, pro-Palestine protests occur daily in cities around the globe. US military support for Israel has resulted in a dramatic rise in jihadist threats. In previous years, demonstrators have used busy holiday periods to disrupt travel at airports and key roadways.

Regardless of if you are in the U.S. or abroad, it is important to remember that terrorists historically focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets for attack. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, schools, airports, and other soft targets also remain priority targets for possible attacks. Readers should exercise a high level of vigilance in these and similar locations during the holidays.

If you are abroad: