Documents
Federal Joint Threat Assessment for 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland
July 16, 2016
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
THREAT ASSESSMENT
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OFFICIAL USE ONLY
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
THREAT ASSESSMENT
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(U) 20 6 Republican National Convention
Cleveland, Ohio
7Ju y 20 6
Us
Federal Homeland
Bureau of Security
Investlgatlon
. 719 United States
l) Secret Service
(U) (UIIFOUO). hconta?ns inform diatmqbeexempl ?anpubicrekaseundermel?rccdun oflnforman'onAa? 552)? h'stobecomrohd,
approvd?umDHS.
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OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
7 July 2016
(U) 2016 Republican National Convention
Quicken Loans Arena
1 Center Court
Cleveland, Ohio
(U) Scope Note
(U//FOUO) This Joint Threat Assessment addresses threats to the 2016 Republican National
Convention (RNC), taking place at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio from 17 to 21 July
2016. Activities that involve civil disobedience that do not interfere with the implementation of
the National Security Special Event (NSSE) security plan or pose a risk to public safety are
beyond the scope of this assessment.
(U//FOUO) This product is intended to support federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial
government agencies and authorities in identifying priorities for protective and support measures
regarding terrorism and other existing or emerging threats to homeland security. Information in
this assessment is current and accurate as of 7 July 2016.
(U) Key Findings
(U//FOUO) As of 7 July 2016, the FBI, DHS, and USSS have no information to indicate a
specific, credible threat to or associated with the 2016 RNC in Cleveland, Ohio.
(U//FOUO) We assess the RNC and associated events could be attractive targets for criminals
and violent extremists, as there will be a large gathering of senior US government officials,
members of Congress, US governors and mayors, and thousands of visitors to the City of
Cleveland and surrounding areas. The RNC’s symbolism to the United States’ democratic
process and the increased levels of controversy during the Republican primary process could
elevate the risk of the event being targeted by violent extremists. There will also be a large
presence of global media outlets, making it likely that any significant incident would garner
widespread international media coverage, a common objective in terrorist attacks.
(U//FOUO) Though there is currently no specific reporting about threats shifting between the
RNC and the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the relatively close geographic proximity
to the DNC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is scheduled to begin on 25 July 2016, could
facilitate efforts by violent extremists or criminals to target both events.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
(U) This product contains US person information that has been deemed necessary for the intended recipient to understand, assess, or act on the
information provided. It has been highlighted in this document with the label USPER and should be handled in accordance with the recipient's
intelligence oversight and/or information handling procedures.
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
7 July 2016
(U) 2016 Republican National Convention
Quicken Loans Arena
1 Center Court
Cleveland, Ohio
(U) Scope Note
(U//FOUO) This Joint Threat Assessment addresses threats to the 2016 Republican National
Convention (RNC), taking place at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio from 17 to 21 July
2016. Activities that involve civil disobedience that do not interfere with the implementation of
the National Security Special Event (NSSE) security plan or pose a risk to public safety are
beyond the scope of this assessment.
(U//FOUO) This product is intended to support federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial
government agencies and authorities in identifying priorities for protective and support measures
regarding terrorism and other existing or emerging threats to homeland security. Information in
this assessment is current and accurate as of 7 July 2016.
(U) Key Findings
(U//FOUO) As of 7 July 2016, the FBI, DHS, and USSS have no information to indicate a
specific, credible threat to or associated with the 2016 RNC in Cleveland, Ohio.
(U//FOUO) We assess the RNC and associated events could be attractive targets for criminals
and violent extremists, as there will be a large gathering of senior US government officials,
members of Congress, US governors and mayors, and thousands of visitors to the City of
Cleveland and surrounding areas. The RNC’s symbolism to the United States’ democratic
process and the increased levels of controversy during the Republican primary process could
elevate the risk of the event being targeted by violent extremists. There will also be a large
presence of global media outlets, making it likely that any significant incident would garner
widespread international media coverage, a common objective in terrorist attacks.
(U//FOUO) Though there is currently no specific reporting about threats shifting between the
RNC and the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the relatively close geographic proximity
to the DNC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is scheduled to begin on 25 July 2016, could
facilitate efforts by violent extremists or criminals to target both events.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
(U) This product contains US person information that has been deemed necessary for the intended recipient to understand, assess, or act on the
information provided. It has been highlighted in this document with the label USPER and should be handled in accordance with the recipient's
intelligence oversight and/or information handling procedures.
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U//FOUO) Terrorism Concerns
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS remain concerned violent domestic extremists, * in
particular anarchist extremists †, could view the RNC and associated events as desirable targets
for violence and criminal activity. Some anarchist extremists have previously become violent
and engaged in criminal activity during large protests in recent years, including the 2015 May
Day protest in Seattle, Washington. Additionally, anarchist extremists have historically shown a
willingness to travel from locations across the United States to violently disrupt the DNC/RNC.
•
(U//FOUO) A known anarchist extremist network known as the Resist the Cleveland
RNC (RCR), has been established in Cleveland. RCR is assisting anarchists by providing
logistical support, training, and a communications platform for anarchist activities
including anarchist extremist violence.
•
(U//FOUO) Known anarchist extremists, both locally in Cleveland and from outside the
region, have discussed the 2016 RNC and have made plans to travel to Cleveland.
Numerous social media groups, pages, and events have been created to plan activities
during the RNC and to coordinate logistics, such as transportation and housing. Among
those who have confirmed they are planning to travel to Cleveland for the RNC are
anarchists extremists who have previously participated in protests at national events and
have been arrested during those protests for criminal activity. 1,2
•
(U//FOUO) On 1 May 2015, anarchist extremists gathered in Seattle to participate in an
unpermitted anti-capitalist protest, according to an officer of another law enforcement
agency. Their goals were to damage private and public property and inflict injury and/or
death on law enforcement officials. After the protesters turned violent, the Seattle Police
Department arrested 16 individuals and declared the protest a riot.
*
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define domestic extremists as individuals present in the United States who seek to further
political or social goals, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence. The mere advocacy of political or social
positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute
extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
† (U//FOUO) FBI and DHS define anarchist extremists as individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of
force or violence, to further their opposition to all forms of capitalism, corporate globalization, and governing institutions, which
they perceive as harmful to society. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric,
or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
2
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U//FOUO) Terrorism Concerns
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS remain concerned violent domestic extremists, * in
particular anarchist extremists †, could view the RNC and associated events as desirable targets
for violence and criminal activity. Some anarchist extremists have previously become violent
and engaged in criminal activity during large protests in recent years, including the 2015 May
Day protest in Seattle, Washington. Additionally, anarchist extremists have historically shown a
willingness to travel from locations across the United States to violently disrupt the DNC/RNC.
•
(U//FOUO) A known anarchist extremist network known as the Resist the Cleveland
RNC (RCR), has been established in Cleveland. RCR is assisting anarchists by providing
logistical support, training, and a communications platform for anarchist activities
including anarchist extremist violence.
•
(U//FOUO) Known anarchist extremists, both locally in Cleveland and from outside the
region, have discussed the 2016 RNC and have made plans to travel to Cleveland.
Numerous social media groups, pages, and events have been created to plan activities
during the RNC and to coordinate logistics, such as transportation and housing. Among
those who have confirmed they are planning to travel to Cleveland for the RNC are
anarchists extremists who have previously participated in protests at national events and
have been arrested during those protests for criminal activity. 1,2
•
(U//FOUO) On 1 May 2015, anarchist extremists gathered in Seattle to participate in an
unpermitted anti-capitalist protest, according to an officer of another law enforcement
agency. Their goals were to damage private and public property and inflict injury and/or
death on law enforcement officials. After the protesters turned violent, the Seattle Police
Department arrested 16 individuals and declared the protest a riot.
*
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define domestic extremists as individuals present in the United States who seek to further
political or social goals, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence. The mere advocacy of political or social
positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute
extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
† (U//FOUO) FBI and DHS define anarchist extremists as individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of
force or violence, to further their opposition to all forms of capitalism, corporate globalization, and governing institutions, which
they perceive as harmful to society. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric,
or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
2
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U//FOUO) Anarchist Extremist Tactics at 2015 May Day Riot in Seattle
(U//FOUO) The FBI identified the following weapons and “Black Bloc” tactics anarchist extremists
used during their violent confrontations with law enforcement that could be used at the 2016 RNCi:
•
(U//FOUO) Wooden dowels with bolted screws;
•
(U//FOUO) Weapons of opportunity, including rocks, canned food, bricks, construction site
material, weighted traffic pylons, and chairs;
•
(U//FOUO) “Slungshots” (metal chains with bike locks attached to swing at police officers);
•
(U//FOUO) Water bottles filled with paint;
•
(U//FOUO) Setting fire to garbage cans, signs, and flags to throw into trees;
•
(U//FOUO) Road flares used to strike police officers; and
•
(U//FOUO) Monkey wrenches, hammers, machetes, axe handles, and slingshots.
(U) TEXT BOX ENDNOTE:
i. (U) FBI; SIR; SIR-00018153392; 21 May 2015; 1 May 2015; “(U) Criminal Activity and Tactics Utilized by Anarchist Extremists During
the 2015 May Day Anti-Capitalist March;” UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE
ONLY; an officer of another law enforcement agency.
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, remain concerned about the sustained interest of
international terrorists and violent extremists, including Americans inspired by these groups, to
target mass gatherings, which could make the RNC and affiliated events attractive targets.
Unaffiliated lone offenders * and homegrown violent extremists † (HVEs) are of particular
concern due to their ability to conduct relatively unsophisticated attacks with little to no warning,
as witnessed during the 2015 attacks in San Bernardino, California, and their willingness to
travel long distances to conduct attacks, as seen in the 2015 Garland, Texas attack. The FBI has
charged over 80 individuals in the United States on terrorism-related charges since March 2014,
some of whom were in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and surrounding states, highlighting the ongoing
threat from HVEs in the region.
*
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define a lone offender as an individual motivated by one or more violent extremist ideologies
who, operating alone, supports or engages in acts of violence in furtherance of that ideology or ideologies that may involve
influence from a larger terrorist organization or a foreign actor.
†
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define an HVE as a person of any citizenship who has lived and/or operated primarily in the
United States or its territories who advocates, is engaged in, or is preparing to engage in ideologically motivated terrorist
activities (including providing support to terrorism) in furtherance of political or social objectives promoted by a foreign terrorist
organization, but is acting independently of direction by a foreign terrorist organization. HVEs are distinct from traditional
domestic terrorists who engage in unlawful acts of violence to intimidate civilian populations or attempt to influence domestic
policy without direction from or influence from a foreign actor.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
3
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U//FOUO) Anarchist Extremist Tactics at 2015 May Day Riot in Seattle
(U//FOUO) The FBI identified the following weapons and “Black Bloc” tactics anarchist extremists
used during their violent confrontations with law enforcement that could be used at the 2016 RNCi:
•
(U//FOUO) Wooden dowels with bolted screws;
•
(U//FOUO) Weapons of opportunity, including rocks, canned food, bricks, construction site
material, weighted traffic pylons, and chairs;
•
(U//FOUO) “Slungshots” (metal chains with bike locks attached to swing at police officers);
•
(U//FOUO) Water bottles filled with paint;
•
(U//FOUO) Setting fire to garbage cans, signs, and flags to throw into trees;
•
(U//FOUO) Road flares used to strike police officers; and
•
(U//FOUO) Monkey wrenches, hammers, machetes, axe handles, and slingshots.
(U) TEXT BOX ENDNOTE:
i. (U) FBI; SIR; SIR-00018153392; 21 May 2015; 1 May 2015; “(U) Criminal Activity and Tactics Utilized by Anarchist Extremists During
the 2015 May Day Anti-Capitalist March;” UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE
ONLY; an officer of another law enforcement agency.
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, remain concerned about the sustained interest of
international terrorists and violent extremists, including Americans inspired by these groups, to
target mass gatherings, which could make the RNC and affiliated events attractive targets.
Unaffiliated lone offenders * and homegrown violent extremists † (HVEs) are of particular
concern due to their ability to conduct relatively unsophisticated attacks with little to no warning,
as witnessed during the 2015 attacks in San Bernardino, California, and their willingness to
travel long distances to conduct attacks, as seen in the 2015 Garland, Texas attack. The FBI has
charged over 80 individuals in the United States on terrorism-related charges since March 2014,
some of whom were in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and surrounding states, highlighting the ongoing
threat from HVEs in the region.
*
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define a lone offender as an individual motivated by one or more violent extremist ideologies
who, operating alone, supports or engages in acts of violence in furtherance of that ideology or ideologies that may involve
influence from a larger terrorist organization or a foreign actor.
†
(U//FOUO) The FBI and DHS define an HVE as a person of any citizenship who has lived and/or operated primarily in the
United States or its territories who advocates, is engaged in, or is preparing to engage in ideologically motivated terrorist
activities (including providing support to terrorism) in furtherance of political or social objectives promoted by a foreign terrorist
organization, but is acting independently of direction by a foreign terrorist organization. HVEs are distinct from traditional
domestic terrorists who engage in unlawful acts of violence to intimidate civilian populations or attempt to influence domestic
policy without direction from or influence from a foreign actor.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
3
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
•
(U) In April 2015, the FBI indicted a 23-year-old man in Columbus, Ohio for providing
material support to the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),
according to a federal criminal complaint. In April 2014, the man traveled to Syria to
receive weapons and explosives training. While in Syria, he was instructed to return to
the United States to commit an act of terrorism. 3
•
(U//FOUO) On 2 December 2015, at least one shooter and a possible second shooter,
presumed to be the first shooter’s wife, opened fire at the Inland Regional Center in San
Bernardino, killing 14 and injuring at least 22 additional others. The couple, who likely
self-radicalized, was influenced by international terrorism groups, according to FBI
Director Comey during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the FBI’s
investigation to date. 4
•
(U) As of April 2016, 32 percent of the more than 80 individuals arrested by the FBI on
terrorism-related charges were involved in plots to carry out attacks in the United States,
according to a George Washington UniversityUSPER study based on an array of legal
documents. 5
•
(U//FOUO) On 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen entered the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando
where he opened fire, shooting and killing 49 people and injuring approximately 53
others. Although the FBI continues to investigate the totality of Mateen’s motives and
timeline for the attack, we note that he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and
ISIL.
•
(U) According to federal indictments and press statements by the FBI, in March 2015,
two HVEs drove over 1,000 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to Garland, Texas to attack a
controversial “Draw Muhammad” cartoon contest and murder the event organizer. The
organizer had previously been named by ISIL in a specific threat on an anonymous social
media message board. Both attackers, who were ISIL supporters, were killed by police
after opening fire on the event, according to the Garland Police Department. 6,7,8
(U//FOUO) International terrorist groups like ISIL, al-Qai’da (AQ), and AQ affiliates have
repeatedly publicly stated their desire to conduct attacks in the United States and encourage
HVEs to do so in their name. Though there is no identified specific threat to the RNC,
international terrorist groups often list US government officials, including politicians, on lists of
enemies or potential targets. ISIL has taken this message a step further and has repeatedly
released lists of potential American targets, such as police officers and military servicemembers,
that include personally identifiable information, including full names and addresses.
•
(U//FOUO) Al-Qai’da in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) provided instructions for lone
offenders to carry out “professional” assassinations and used rhetoric from the US
presidential election as a justification to target Americans in the 15th edition of Inspire
magazine, released on Twitter on 14 May 2016. The English-language magazine also
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
4
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
•
(U) In April 2015, the FBI indicted a 23-year-old man in Columbus, Ohio for providing
material support to the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),
according to a federal criminal complaint. In April 2014, the man traveled to Syria to
receive weapons and explosives training. While in Syria, he was instructed to return to
the United States to commit an act of terrorism. 3
•
(U//FOUO) On 2 December 2015, at least one shooter and a possible second shooter,
presumed to be the first shooter’s wife, opened fire at the Inland Regional Center in San
Bernardino, killing 14 and injuring at least 22 additional others. The couple, who likely
self-radicalized, was influenced by international terrorism groups, according to FBI
Director Comey during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the FBI’s
investigation to date. 4
•
(U) As of April 2016, 32 percent of the more than 80 individuals arrested by the FBI on
terrorism-related charges were involved in plots to carry out attacks in the United States,
according to a George Washington UniversityUSPER study based on an array of legal
documents. 5
•
(U//FOUO) On 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen entered the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando
where he opened fire, shooting and killing 49 people and injuring approximately 53
others. Although the FBI continues to investigate the totality of Mateen’s motives and
timeline for the attack, we note that he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and
ISIL.
•
(U) According to federal indictments and press statements by the FBI, in March 2015,
two HVEs drove over 1,000 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to Garland, Texas to attack a
controversial “Draw Muhammad” cartoon contest and murder the event organizer. The
organizer had previously been named by ISIL in a specific threat on an anonymous social
media message board. Both attackers, who were ISIL supporters, were killed by police
after opening fire on the event, according to the Garland Police Department. 6,7,8
(U//FOUO) International terrorist groups like ISIL, al-Qai’da (AQ), and AQ affiliates have
repeatedly publicly stated their desire to conduct attacks in the United States and encourage
HVEs to do so in their name. Though there is no identified specific threat to the RNC,
international terrorist groups often list US government officials, including politicians, on lists of
enemies or potential targets. ISIL has taken this message a step further and has repeatedly
released lists of potential American targets, such as police officers and military servicemembers,
that include personally identifiable information, including full names and addresses.
•
(U//FOUO) Al-Qai’da in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) provided instructions for lone
offenders to carry out “professional” assassinations and used rhetoric from the US
presidential election as a justification to target Americans in the 15th edition of Inspire
magazine, released on Twitter on 14 May 2016. The English-language magazine also
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
4
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
criticized perceived anti-Muslim comments made previously by Donald TrumpUSPER, the
presumptive Republican nominee for the US presidency. 9
•
(U//FOUO) On 16 September 2014, an ISIL supporter posted an Arabic-language
document—also readily available via an English translation—that offered a list of
potential targets, including government officials, law enforcement, military, FBI
personnel, and media figures. This document, “A Message to 2.6 Million Muslims in the
United States,” also advocated “open source jihad, or lone wolf operations” in the United
States. 10
(U//FOUO) Criminal Concerns
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, assess there is the potential for violence to erupt at RNCrelated events in Cleveland, both from individuals supportive of the presumptive Republican
candidate, who are frustrated with the Republican Party’s primary process, and from individuals
opposed to the policies and stances of the candidate, as has been observed at numerous political
rallies during the primary process. Though the majority of individuals who will be in Cleveland
to participate in the RNC and associated events are expected to remain law abiding and peaceful,
the FBI, DHS, and USSS remain concerned about the potential for spontaneous violence from a
small number of unidentified individuals.
•
(U) At a 14 December 2015 campaign rally for Trump in Las Vegas, Nevada, attendees
shouted “Sieg Heil” and “light the motherf***er on fire” as a black protestor was being
escorted from the venue. 11
•
(U) A North Carolina man was arrested following an assault on a protestor at a 9 March
2016 Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The man, who was white, punched a
protestor, who was black, in the face while the protestor was in handcuffs and being
escorted out of the venue by law enforcement. 12
•
(U) At a 26 April 2016 city council meeting in Anaheim, California, supporters and
protestors of Trump clashed outside the meeting. Individuals on both sides fired pepper
spray at opponents, and a pro-Trump supporter shocked an anti-Trump protestor with a
taser. 13
•
(U) On 24 May 2016, protestors outside a Trump rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico
broke through security barriers and smashed the glass doors at the Albuquerque
convention center. Protestors also lit several small fires, threw rocks and bottles at police
horses, and jumped on top of police vehicles. 14
(U//FOUO) It is assessed the tens of thousands of individuals expected to converge on Cleveland
for the RNC may draw interest from malicious actors intending to target the city with criminal
schemes, including human trafficking. Out-of-town convention attendees may serve as targets of
opportunity for local criminal elements throughout the area. Also, with many law enforcement
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
5
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
criticized perceived anti-Muslim comments made previously by Donald TrumpUSPER, the
presumptive Republican nominee for the US presidency. 9
•
(U//FOUO) On 16 September 2014, an ISIL supporter posted an Arabic-language
document—also readily available via an English translation—that offered a list of
potential targets, including government officials, law enforcement, military, FBI
personnel, and media figures. This document, “A Message to 2.6 Million Muslims in the
United States,” also advocated “open source jihad, or lone wolf operations” in the United
States. 10
(U//FOUO) Criminal Concerns
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, assess there is the potential for violence to erupt at RNCrelated events in Cleveland, both from individuals supportive of the presumptive Republican
candidate, who are frustrated with the Republican Party’s primary process, and from individuals
opposed to the policies and stances of the candidate, as has been observed at numerous political
rallies during the primary process. Though the majority of individuals who will be in Cleveland
to participate in the RNC and associated events are expected to remain law abiding and peaceful,
the FBI, DHS, and USSS remain concerned about the potential for spontaneous violence from a
small number of unidentified individuals.
•
(U) At a 14 December 2015 campaign rally for Trump in Las Vegas, Nevada, attendees
shouted “Sieg Heil” and “light the motherf***er on fire” as a black protestor was being
escorted from the venue. 11
•
(U) A North Carolina man was arrested following an assault on a protestor at a 9 March
2016 Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The man, who was white, punched a
protestor, who was black, in the face while the protestor was in handcuffs and being
escorted out of the venue by law enforcement. 12
•
(U) At a 26 April 2016 city council meeting in Anaheim, California, supporters and
protestors of Trump clashed outside the meeting. Individuals on both sides fired pepper
spray at opponents, and a pro-Trump supporter shocked an anti-Trump protestor with a
taser. 13
•
(U) On 24 May 2016, protestors outside a Trump rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico
broke through security barriers and smashed the glass doors at the Albuquerque
convention center. Protestors also lit several small fires, threw rocks and bottles at police
horses, and jumped on top of police vehicles. 14
(U//FOUO) It is assessed the tens of thousands of individuals expected to converge on Cleveland
for the RNC may draw interest from malicious actors intending to target the city with criminal
schemes, including human trafficking. Out-of-town convention attendees may serve as targets of
opportunity for local criminal elements throughout the area. Also, with many law enforcement
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
5
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
resources focused on the downtown core, it is possible criminal elements in neighborhoods
elsewhere in the city will believe they are more at liberty to commit crime, such as bank
robberies, auto theft, and burglary. The FBI and DHS have no intelligence to indicate that
criminal organizations are planning to bring human trafficking victims to Cleveland during the
RNC.
(U//FOUO) Cyber Vulnerabilities
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, assess RNC-related websites, systems, and networks
could be targeted by hackers with differing political views from the RNC. While the FBI and
DHS, including USSS, have no specific intelligence to indicate any such attacks are being
planned, attackers could conduct distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on RNC-related
websites, deface RNC-related webpages, or compromise RNC systems and networks to access
sensitive information about the convention, such as private schedules for VIP attendees. A DDoS
attack on RNC-related websites could disrupt service and cause confusion among convention
attendees.
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, have no specific intelligence to indicate cyber criminals
are planning to target or disrupt critical infrastructure during the RNC.
(U//FOUO) The FBI has reporting that a group of individuals desire to target unprotected Wi-Fi
hotspots near convention facilities, hotels, and public spaces to target RNC attendees personal
information for identity theft purposes. Those who use public Wi-Fi hotspots should always be
conscious of the vulnerability these services provide.
(U) Event Overview
(U) The RNC —an NSSE, as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security—will be held
from 18 to 21 July 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field in Cleveland. On 17 July
2016, the City of Cleveland is expected to host an outdoor welcoming event for the RNC near
the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum USPER. This
welcoming event has been incorporated as part of the NSSE.
(U) The RNC is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees, to include delegates, alternate
delegates, party officials, media, and volunteers. Attendees will be lodged in more than 140
hotels, with some delegate hotels located more the 60 miles from the convention site. There will
be more than 15,000 credentialed media to cover the RNC. The media will be based out of the
Huntington Bank Convention Center, which is approximately three-quarters of mile north of the
main convention venues, Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field.
(U) Potential Threat Indicators
(U//FOUO) Absent a specific, actionable threat to the 2016 RNC, we are providing indicators to
aid law enforcement and first responders in identifying and mitigating threats. The totality of
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
6
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
resources focused on the downtown core, it is possible criminal elements in neighborhoods
elsewhere in the city will believe they are more at liberty to commit crime, such as bank
robberies, auto theft, and burglary. The FBI and DHS have no intelligence to indicate that
criminal organizations are planning to bring human trafficking victims to Cleveland during the
RNC.
(U//FOUO) Cyber Vulnerabilities
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, assess RNC-related websites, systems, and networks
could be targeted by hackers with differing political views from the RNC. While the FBI and
DHS, including USSS, have no specific intelligence to indicate any such attacks are being
planned, attackers could conduct distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on RNC-related
websites, deface RNC-related webpages, or compromise RNC systems and networks to access
sensitive information about the convention, such as private schedules for VIP attendees. A DDoS
attack on RNC-related websites could disrupt service and cause confusion among convention
attendees.
(U//FOUO) The FBI, DHS, and USSS, have no specific intelligence to indicate cyber criminals
are planning to target or disrupt critical infrastructure during the RNC.
(U//FOUO) The FBI has reporting that a group of individuals desire to target unprotected Wi-Fi
hotspots near convention facilities, hotels, and public spaces to target RNC attendees personal
information for identity theft purposes. Those who use public Wi-Fi hotspots should always be
conscious of the vulnerability these services provide.
(U) Event Overview
(U) The RNC —an NSSE, as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security—will be held
from 18 to 21 July 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field in Cleveland. On 17 July
2016, the City of Cleveland is expected to host an outdoor welcoming event for the RNC near
the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum USPER. This
welcoming event has been incorporated as part of the NSSE.
(U) The RNC is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees, to include delegates, alternate
delegates, party officials, media, and volunteers. Attendees will be lodged in more than 140
hotels, with some delegate hotels located more the 60 miles from the convention site. There will
be more than 15,000 credentialed media to cover the RNC. The media will be based out of the
Huntington Bank Convention Center, which is approximately three-quarters of mile north of the
main convention venues, Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field.
(U) Potential Threat Indicators
(U//FOUO) Absent a specific, actionable threat to the 2016 RNC, we are providing indicators to
aid law enforcement and first responders in identifying and mitigating threats. The totality of
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
6
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
behavioral indicators and other relevant circumstances should be evaluated when considering
any law enforcement response or action. (Note: behaviors associated with the below indicators
can include constitutionally protected activities. The FBI does not initiate any investigative
activity based solely on the exercise of First Amendment activities or on the race, ethnicity,
national origin, or religion, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity of the subject, or a
combination of only such factors.)
(U//FOUO) Possible indicators of planned criminal or violent anarchist extremist activity during
RNC events include:
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of Pre-operational surveillance of government buildings, symbols of
capitalism, or symbols of corporate globalization;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of individuals pilfering construction sites or collecting sharp or
heavy objects, such as bricks, pipes, or rocks to use as projectiles-possibly carried in
backpacks;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of spray paint for defacing signs and buildings;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of nails or caltrops for use in disrupting traffic or law
enforcement response;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of fireworks, flares, or smoke devices during protests;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of home-made shields, sharp or blunt objects such as knives,
machetes, tire irons, sticks, or hammers during protests;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of bolt cutters to bypass security fences;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of gas masks, Maalox or eye drops to remedy law enforcement
use of tear gas;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of protestor changing clothing to avoid law enforcement;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of protestors flying anarchist flags, possessing anarchist signs, or
clothing bear anarchist symbols, coupled with other factors reasonably indicative of plans
or materials used to commit violence;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of individuals acquiring materials to construct improvised incendiary
devices or improvised explosive devices;
•
(U//FOUO) Pre-staging of bricks, rocks, or debris along protest routes for use in rioting;
and
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
7
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
behavioral indicators and other relevant circumstances should be evaluated when considering
any law enforcement response or action. (Note: behaviors associated with the below indicators
can include constitutionally protected activities. The FBI does not initiate any investigative
activity based solely on the exercise of First Amendment activities or on the race, ethnicity,
national origin, or religion, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity of the subject, or a
combination of only such factors.)
(U//FOUO) Possible indicators of planned criminal or violent anarchist extremist activity during
RNC events include:
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of Pre-operational surveillance of government buildings, symbols of
capitalism, or symbols of corporate globalization;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of individuals pilfering construction sites or collecting sharp or
heavy objects, such as bricks, pipes, or rocks to use as projectiles-possibly carried in
backpacks;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of spray paint for defacing signs and buildings;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of nails or caltrops for use in disrupting traffic or law
enforcement response;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of fireworks, flares, or smoke devices during protests;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of home-made shields, sharp or blunt objects such as knives,
machetes, tire irons, sticks, or hammers during protests;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of bolt cutters to bypass security fences;
•
(U//FOUO) Possession of gas masks, Maalox or eye drops to remedy law enforcement
use of tear gas;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of protestor changing clothing to avoid law enforcement;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of protestors flying anarchist flags, possessing anarchist signs, or
clothing bear anarchist symbols, coupled with other factors reasonably indicative of plans
or materials used to commit violence;
•
(U//FOUO) Reports of individuals acquiring materials to construct improvised incendiary
devices or improvised explosive devices;
•
(U//FOUO) Pre-staging of bricks, rocks, or debris along protest routes for use in rioting;
and
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
7
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
•
(U//FOUO) Movement of newspaper containers and trashcans to create barricadespossibly lighting them on fire.
(U//FOUO) Possible indicators of pre-operational surveillance or attack planning include:
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or prolonged interest in or attempts to gain sensitive information
about security measures of personnel, entry points, peak days and hours of operation, and
access controls such as alarms or locks;
•
(U//FOUO) Observation of security reaction drills or procedures; multiple false alarms or
fictitious emergency calls to same locations or similar venues;
•
(U//FOUO) Discreet use of cameras or video recorders, sketching, or note-taking
consistent with pre-operational surveillance;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or unexplained interest in speaking with building maintenance
personnel;
•
(U//FOUO) Observation of or questions about facility security measures, including
barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems;
•
(U//FOUO) Observations of or questions about facility air conditioning, heating, and
ventilation systems;
•
(U//FOUO) Suspicious purchases of dual-use items that could be used to construct an
explosive device, including hydrogen peroxide, acetone, gasoline, propane, or fertilizer;
•
(U//FOUO) Suspicious activities in storage facilities or other areas that could be used to
construct an explosive device;
•
(U//FOUO) Attempted or unauthorized access to rooftops or other potentially sensitive
areas;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or bulky clothing that is inconsistent with the weather;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual weapon purchases and/or unusual requests for shooting lessons or
range time; and
•
(U//FOUO) Theft of uniforms, particularly from security companies, law enforcement,
fire personnel.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
8
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
•
(U//FOUO) Movement of newspaper containers and trashcans to create barricadespossibly lighting them on fire.
(U//FOUO) Possible indicators of pre-operational surveillance or attack planning include:
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or prolonged interest in or attempts to gain sensitive information
about security measures of personnel, entry points, peak days and hours of operation, and
access controls such as alarms or locks;
•
(U//FOUO) Observation of security reaction drills or procedures; multiple false alarms or
fictitious emergency calls to same locations or similar venues;
•
(U//FOUO) Discreet use of cameras or video recorders, sketching, or note-taking
consistent with pre-operational surveillance;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or unexplained interest in speaking with building maintenance
personnel;
•
(U//FOUO) Observation of or questions about facility security measures, including
barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems;
•
(U//FOUO) Observations of or questions about facility air conditioning, heating, and
ventilation systems;
•
(U//FOUO) Suspicious purchases of dual-use items that could be used to construct an
explosive device, including hydrogen peroxide, acetone, gasoline, propane, or fertilizer;
•
(U//FOUO) Suspicious activities in storage facilities or other areas that could be used to
construct an explosive device;
•
(U//FOUO) Attempted or unauthorized access to rooftops or other potentially sensitive
areas;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual or bulky clothing that is inconsistent with the weather;
•
(U//FOUO) Unusual weapon purchases and/or unusual requests for shooting lessons or
range time; and
•
(U//FOUO) Theft of uniforms, particularly from security companies, law enforcement,
fire personnel.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
8
OR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U OUO) Please report suspicious activities associated with any of the indicators listed above
to the contact information at the end of this document.
(U) Report Suspicious Activity
(U) The FBI encourages recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to
the local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force The FBl?s Cleveland Field Of?ce can be reached at 216-522-1400
or by e-mail at cleveland.cv@ic.fbi.gov.
(U) Tracked by: HSEC-1.2. HSEC-8.2. HSEC-8.3. HSEC-8.5. HSEC-
8.6.2.21
(U) Warning: This docunrnt is OFFICIAL USE ONLY It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to?know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Honrland Security of?cials may share this document with authorized aitical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security of?cials without furtha approval from FBI
OR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
9
OR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U OUO) Please report suspicious activities associated with any of the indicators listed above
to the contact information at the end of this document.
(U) Report Suspicious Activity
(U) The FBI encourages recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to
the local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force The FBl?s Cleveland Field Of?ce can be reached at 216-522-1400
or by e-mail at cleveland.cv@ic.fbi.gov.
(U) Tracked by: HSEC-1.2. HSEC-8.2. HSEC-8.3. HSEC-8.5. HSEC-
8.6.2.21
(U) Warning: This docunrnt is OFFICIAL USE ONLY It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to?know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Honrland Security of?cials may share this document with authorized aitical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security of?cials without furtha approval from FBI
OR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
9
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Distribution
FBI Intranet
OCA
SIPRNet/JWICS
NCTC-S/TS
HSDN
HSIN
Secret Service Intranet
LEO/LESC
e-Guardian
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
10
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Distribution
FBI Intranet
OCA
SIPRNet/JWICS
NCTC-S/TS
HSDN
HSIN
Secret Service Intranet
LEO/LESC
e-Guardian
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
10
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U) Endnotes
1
(U) Social media site; Facebook.com; “Resist the 2016 Cleveland RNC”; http://www facebook.com/RESIST2016;
UNCLASSIFIED; accessed 13 April 2016; Facebook.com is a social media application with user generated content.
2
(U) Social media site; Facebook.com; “resistRNC Cleveland 2016 Transport Squad”;
http://www.facebook.com/groups/173259416197156; UNCLASSIFIED; accessed 13 April 2016; Facebook.com is a
social media application with user generated content.
3
(U) 19tv.com; Online Article; www.10tv.com/content/stories/2015/04/16/washington-columbus-man-chargedwith-providing-material-support-to-isis-terrorists html; 16 April 2015; 25 May 2016; “(U) Columbus Man Charged
With Providing Material Support to ISIS Terrorists;” UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; summary of FBI
indictment.
4
(U) PBS; Online Article; www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/fbi-california-shooters-radicalization-at-least-2-yearsago/; 9 December 2015; 9 December 2015; “(U) FBI: California Shooters Radicalized at Least 2 Years Ago;”
UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; overview of FBI Director Comey’s remarks during his testimony to the Senate
Judiciary Committee on 9 December 2015.
5
(U) George Washington University; https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Snapshot-April.pdf;
1 April 2016; 1 April 2016; “(U) ISIS Recruits in the US Legal System;” UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED;
Program on Extremism at George Washington University based on a wide array of legal documents.
6
(U) DOJ; Press Release; Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related
Offenses; U; March 17, 2016; 18 May 2016; https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/phoenix-man-convictedconspiracy-support-isil-and-other-terrorism-related-offenses; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED;.
7
(U) Internet; www.wnd.com; Cheryl Chumley; ISIS Calls for the Slaughter of Pam Geller; 6 May 2015; Accessed
date, April 15, 2016; http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/isis-calls-for-slaughter-of-pam-geller/; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED
8
(U) Internet; www.theatlantic.com; Adam Chandler; A Terror Attack in Texas; 4 May 2015; 5 April 2016;
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/05/a-terror-attack-in-texas/392288/; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED
9
(U) OSC; IML2016051543132083; 15 May 2016; 14 May 2016; “(U) Al-Qaeda Yemen Magazine Gives
Instructions on 'Professional Assassinations';” UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY;
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; Open Source Center’s summary of the online English-language
magazine.
10
(U//FOUO) OSC; TRR2014091680453850; 18 September 2014; 16 September 2014; “(U//FOUO) Forum
Participant Posts Message to US Muslims, Advocates 'Open Source Jihad,' Lone Wolf Attacks;”
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; translation from
Arabic to English by the Open Source Center that saw the article on the Al-Minbar al-I'lami Jihadist Forum.
11
(U) slate.com; Online Article;
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/15/supporter_yells_seig_heil_toward_black_protestor_at_trump_ral
ly html; 15 December 2015; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; article on violence at campaign
rally.
12
(U) Washington Post; Online Article; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/10/trumpprotestor-sucker-punched-at-north-carolina-rally-videos-show/; 11 March 2016; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED; news article on violence at campaign rally.
13
(U) Los Angeles Times; Online Article; http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-trump-backes-criticismclash-fire-pepper-spray-outside-anaheim-city-hall-20160426-story html; 27 April 2016; 25 May 2016;
UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; news article on clashes between protestors.
14
(U) CNN; Online Article; http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/24/politics/donald-trump-albuquerque-protestors-police/;
25 May 2016; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; news article on clashes between protestors.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
11
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(U) Endnotes
1
(U) Social media site; Facebook.com; “Resist the 2016 Cleveland RNC”; http://www facebook.com/RESIST2016;
UNCLASSIFIED; accessed 13 April 2016; Facebook.com is a social media application with user generated content.
2
(U) Social media site; Facebook.com; “resistRNC Cleveland 2016 Transport Squad”;
http://www.facebook.com/groups/173259416197156; UNCLASSIFIED; accessed 13 April 2016; Facebook.com is a
social media application with user generated content.
3
(U) 19tv.com; Online Article; www.10tv.com/content/stories/2015/04/16/washington-columbus-man-chargedwith-providing-material-support-to-isis-terrorists html; 16 April 2015; 25 May 2016; “(U) Columbus Man Charged
With Providing Material Support to ISIS Terrorists;” UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; summary of FBI
indictment.
4
(U) PBS; Online Article; www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/fbi-california-shooters-radicalization-at-least-2-yearsago/; 9 December 2015; 9 December 2015; “(U) FBI: California Shooters Radicalized at Least 2 Years Ago;”
UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; overview of FBI Director Comey’s remarks during his testimony to the Senate
Judiciary Committee on 9 December 2015.
5
(U) George Washington University; https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Snapshot-April.pdf;
1 April 2016; 1 April 2016; “(U) ISIS Recruits in the US Legal System;” UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED;
Program on Extremism at George Washington University based on a wide array of legal documents.
6
(U) DOJ; Press Release; Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related
Offenses; U; March 17, 2016; 18 May 2016; https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/phoenix-man-convictedconspiracy-support-isil-and-other-terrorism-related-offenses; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED;.
7
(U) Internet; www.wnd.com; Cheryl Chumley; ISIS Calls for the Slaughter of Pam Geller; 6 May 2015; Accessed
date, April 15, 2016; http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/isis-calls-for-slaughter-of-pam-geller/; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED
8
(U) Internet; www.theatlantic.com; Adam Chandler; A Terror Attack in Texas; 4 May 2015; 5 April 2016;
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/05/a-terror-attack-in-texas/392288/; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED
9
(U) OSC; IML2016051543132083; 15 May 2016; 14 May 2016; “(U) Al-Qaeda Yemen Magazine Gives
Instructions on 'Professional Assassinations';” UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY;
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; Open Source Center’s summary of the online English-language
magazine.
10
(U//FOUO) OSC; TRR2014091680453850; 18 September 2014; 16 September 2014; “(U//FOUO) Forum
Participant Posts Message to US Muslims, Advocates 'Open Source Jihad,' Lone Wolf Attacks;”
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; translation from
Arabic to English by the Open Source Center that saw the article on the Al-Minbar al-I'lami Jihadist Forum.
11
(U) slate.com; Online Article;
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/15/supporter_yells_seig_heil_toward_black_protestor_at_trump_ral
ly html; 15 December 2015; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; article on violence at campaign
rally.
12
(U) Washington Post; Online Article; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/10/trumpprotestor-sucker-punched-at-north-carolina-rally-videos-show/; 11 March 2016; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED;
UNCLASSIFIED; news article on violence at campaign rally.
13
(U) Los Angeles Times; Online Article; http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-trump-backes-criticismclash-fire-pepper-spray-outside-anaheim-city-hall-20160426-story html; 27 April 2016; 25 May 2016;
UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; news article on clashes between protestors.
14
(U) CNN; Online Article; http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/24/politics/donald-trump-albuquerque-protestors-police/;
25 May 2016; 25 May 2016; UNCLASSIFIED; UNCLASSIFIED; news article on clashes between protestors.
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO) It is subject to release restrictions as detailed in the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U S C 482) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U S C 552) It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with FBI policy for FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, media, or other personnel who do not have an authorized need-to-know
without appropriate prior authorization State and local Homeland Security officials may share this document with authorized critical infrastructure and key resource
personnel and private sector security officials without further approval from FBI
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
11
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UIIFOUO
Product Title: (U) 2016 Republican National Convention Cleveland, Ohio
1. Please select customer type: Select One Select One
2. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following:
Neither
Very Somewhat satisfied nor Somewhat Very
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your mission 0 0
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to your intelligence needs 0
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Integrate into one of my own organization?s finished Ulncorporate into training
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Product Serial Number: lA-1416 REV: 28 August 2013