Lone wolf threats loom for July 4 celebrations: Agencies warn of potential attacks nationwide – what we know so far

Lone actors remain the most significant terrorism threat to July 4 festivities in New York City and across the country, according to a threat assessment by US federal authorities obtained by CNN.

In a joint bulletin issued in late June, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other agencies noted that individuals acting alone or in small groups are most likely to attempt attacks at high-profile events such as the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. Officials said these attackers are driven by a wide range of racial, ethnic, political, religious, anti-government, societal, or personal grievances.

However, the agencies warned that the threat is not limited to New York. Other large gatherings nationwide could also become targets. The assessment stated that special events with high attendance and extensive media coverage remain attractive to domestic and foreign terrorists and violent extremists seeking to cause mass casualties or draw attention to their causes.

Authorities clarified that they had not received any specific threats against the fireworks show or related events. Nonetheless, they cautioned that such high-profile occasions often attract malicious actors looking for opportunities to perpetrate criminal schemes.

The bulletin’s release follows similar warnings issued before other major events, including the recent New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. Officials expressed concern that copycat attacks inspired by the January 1 vehicle-ramming in the French Quarter could occur. That attack killed 14 people when a Texas-born Army veteran drove a 6,000-pound truck into a crowd of revellers. The assailant, who was killed in a shootout with police, had recorded videos mentioning his divorce and claiming allegiance to ISIS.

Authorities also linked the current threat environment to tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. They observed that recent attacks motivated partly by this conflict have targeted locations with symbolic links to Israel, including houses of worship. Officials warned that individuals with grievances related to the war might view large gatherings like Independence Day celebrations as symbols of the West and therefore as potential targets.

The assessment cited last month’s firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, which targeted demonstrators supporting Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Dozens were injured, and an 82-year-old woman died. Officials described this as the most recent act of terrorist violence in the US motivated by the Israel-Hamas conflict, following the May attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, DC.

Additionally, the agencies highlighted the potential risk posed by drones. While there was no credible or specific intelligence indicating plans to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to target the Macy’s fireworks, officials said unauthorized drone operations could increase public safety risks, delay events, and disrupt law enforcement operations.

They noted that although most drones are flown legally by hobbyists, they have also been used for terrorist and criminal acts abroad. State and nonstate actors have modified short-range drones to conduct surveillance, drop small munitions, or carry explosives to targets in conflict zones. The agencies warned that such malicious use of drones poses potential risks to spectators, volunteers, security personnel, and first responders at major public events.