Nashville bombing raises fear of “lone wolf” terrorist threats

O Nashville bombing it is raising new concerns about the “lone wolf” terrorist threats in the United States. Investigators believe the Nashville bomber acted alone in the explosion that shook the city center at Christmas. Three people were injured and dozens of buildings were damaged in the area.

The “lone wolf” attackers have proven to be some of the most difficult to prevent law enforcement. Studies show that they are often “more educated and socially isolated than actors based on groups”. said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League.

“‘Lone wolf’ subjects sometimes choose to commit their crimes not over a period of months,” he said, “but in a matter of minutes.”

Although the Nashville bombing has not been characterized as an act of domestic terrorism, the number of domestic terrorism cases under investigation by the FBI has increased in recent years. These types of attacks can be motivated by numerous complaints.

“I think everyone falls into the category of anti-government, anti-authority. Which covers everything from violent extremist anarchists to militias,” said FBI director Christopher Wray.

Although Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer’s militia earlier this year has a clear reason – to end state COVID-19 blockades – it is often more difficult for investigators to determine what motivated “lone wolves”, such as Nashville case.

“It is very difficult to identify the nature of this individual and the crime he was trying to commit,” said Greenblatt.

Authorities have 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner as the bomber. Warner is believed to have died in the explosion of his trailer. Before the explosion, he gave some of his belongings and said he had cancer. The FBI is investigating whether this is true.

“Clearly, there must be some precipitating event that caused the action,” said David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Mola Lenghi contributed to this report.