Terrorism expert discusses recent attacks on U.S.

With the recent attacks that happened in Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York former Missouri Homeland Security director discusses when attacks can be labeled as terrorism.

Paul Fennewald, former Missouri Homeland Security Director told ABC 17 News as of now it’s still too early to say that the acts in New Jersey and New York are terrorism related.

“It does no service if they just speculate,” Fennewald said, “I think they’re doing the right thing by just letting the investigation take it’s course.”

For something to be considered an act of terrorism there has to be either a political or religious motivation behind the attack.

Fennewald says no matter what type of device was used, whether it is the same one in multiple attacks, the motive behind the attacks is what will determine if something is considered terrorism.

“We’re still the safest country in the world. People shouldn’t feel paralyzed. We have the most modern technology since September 11th, we have better cooperation with other agencies and with the FBI. Law enforcement is preventing terrorist’s every day,” Fennewald said.

Typically in an investigation like this Fennewald says it all depends on the evidence that law enforcement and the FBI are able to gather.

In this particular case since they were able to get the pressure sent to Quantico, Fennewald says hopefully the process will go fast. Experts will start to take the device apart and determine how the device was made and be able to link that to a terrorist group or a lone wolf creation.

ABC 17 News has also checked in with local law enforcement and so far no credible threats are in Mid Missouri.