Gov. Greg Abbott Orders Texas DPS Task Force To Take Strong Action Against Radical Jihadist Terrorism

Governor Greg Abbott has taken decisive action by instructing the Texas Department of Public Safety to utilize the resources of the Texas Anti-Terrorism Task Force in a proactive effort to combat the threat of radical jihadist terrorism. This strategic move follows a recent incident in which Shamsud-Din Jabbar, hailing from Houston, was influenced by ISIS and carried out a devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans, claiming the lives of 14 individuals.

In order to accomplish this objective, Governor Abbott has issued a directive to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The directive places a strong emphasis on preventing and safeguarding our local communities.

What we know

DPS is set to collaborate with FBI Field Offices to enhance the operations of the Anti-terrorism Joint Terrorism Task Force across the entire state.

The number of intelligence analysts assigned to investigate terrorism and mass attack threats will be increased by DPS. They will also provide analytical assistance to local jurisdictions.

DPS will collaborate with federal agencies to detect, locate, and evaluate potential risks posed by Special Interest Migrants. Over the past four years, there have been instances where hundreds of immigrants, who unlawfully entered the country, were found to be on the terrorist watch list.

DPS is collaborating with the US Department of Homeland Security and local jurisdictions to strengthen and broaden the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP). This program aims to improve the exchange of information between the private sector and law enforcement agencies, specifically focusing on identifying suspicious purchases of materials that could potentially be utilized in the creation of improvised explosive devices.

DPS will collaborate with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other experts in various fields to effectively implement the Texas Behavioral Threat Assessment Intervention and Prevention Program Strategy.

DPS aims to train and educate Texas communities on how to prevent terrorism and targeted violence.

What they’re saying

“Terrorism has no place in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Law enforcement at all levels must aggressively collaborate to eliminate radicalization that can lead to terrorist attacks.”

What’s next

DPS Regions will collaborate with local law enforcement partners in developing strategies to ensure the safety of special events and mass gatherings. They will offer various forms of assistance, such as conducting vulnerability assessments, providing threat detection technology, offering analytical support, and deploying security personnel whenever necessary.

DPS will help local jurisdictions in organizing and carrying out workshops on responding to mass casualty attacks. The aim is to enhance the preparedness of Texas communities in detecting, deterring, and effectively responding to terrorist attacks.

DPS plans to create a new series of exercises that will specifically target collaboration with private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure. These exercises will consist of workshops that aim to enhance the ability to detect, deter, and respond to physical attacks on critical infrastructure.

DPS is planning to enhance the Texas Infrastructure Liaison Officer Program by providing more certification and training opportunities. This will help in expanding the sharing of intelligence, reporting of suspicious activities, and coordination of incidents with private sector partners.

The Office of the Governor will receive recommendations from DPS on enhancing the security of the Capitol Complex. DPS will assess the vulnerability of the Capitol Complex to potential terrorist attacks, such as vehicle ramming, and provide their findings and suggestions.

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