The attack targets the largest malls in the United States. These malls are Mall of America (MN), Destiny USA (NY), Eastwood Mall Complex (OH), Millcreek mall (PA), Roosevelt Field (NY), King of Prussia Mall (PA), Aventura Mall (FL), Woodfield mall (IL), the American Dream (NJ) and South Coast Plaza (CA) (Smith, 2022). These malls receive more than 100,000 visitors on average per day. The attack is scheduled to happen on Saturday May 7, 2022. It is on this same day the United States honors Armed Forces who risk their lives while disposing explosives (Time and Date, n.d.).
The targeted mall and date has several vulnerabilities that can result to destruction of life and properties. One, the malls are always congested and the target date being on the first weekend of the month, more citizens are expected to be in the mall doing monthly shopping or enjoying weekend. Two, the day attracts events that are in honor of military personnel who deal with explosives and therefore citizens may be thinking it is celebrations going on in case of blasts. The success of the recent suicide bombing by lone actors like the one that occurred in Afghanistan airport and left almost 200 people dead may motivate the bombers and make it be the worst attack in U.S. history (Gregorian, 2022).
The DHS Capabilities and Preparedness
The Department of Homeland Security is fully aware of the security threats aimed at the malls. Its officers are on the ground together with other security agencies monitoring unsuspicious activities. The DHS is working closely with intelligence agencies like FBI and CIA to find the specific location of the potential suicide bombers. The DHS has been also communicating with its partners; private entities, faith based communities, state, local and ethnic governments across the country to be able to identify who are the radicalized lone actors.
The Office of Bombing Prevention within DHS is very instrumental as far as thwarting explosive devices is concerned. The OBP provides resources needed to mitigate and respond to bombing threats. The OBP facilitates sharing of information with all the concerned parties. The OBP ensures the DHS is alert not only on the targeted malls but also in the entire threat ecosystem. For example, the DHS officers in the transport system are alert as the terrorists may be using the public transport system (CISA, n.d.).
The DHS mantra “If you see it say it” is a tool that helps individuals to be aware of their surroundings. In case of unusual activity security agencies are notified. For example, if a suspicious vehicle is packed on the targeted mall the relevant authority should be informed. The citizens are also aware they are not supposed to get close to dangerous situations (DHS, n.d.). That is, in case of a blast none should walk closer to check what is going on without first assessing the situation.
The Status of the U.S. Security Threat and Mexico Border
The U.S. is in the height of domestic security threats. These threats result from false information circulating online and ideologies that encourage violence. Lone wolfs now attack out of being radicalized online. They aim to undermine the trust people have with the government. They target key infrastructures, gatherings, communities and those who oppose their ideologies. Foreign terror groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda still exert pressure and call for lone actors to attack the United States of America (DHS, 2022).
The U.S. faces a major security threat on the Mexico border. The DHS is unable to fully take charge of the Southern border since the Mexico government is not able to contain illegal cartels within its borders. Although, the DHS border patrol officers are doing a great job their counterpart from Mexico are not cooperative as they accept bribes from illegal immigrants and individuals who are a security threat to the U.S. citizens (DHS, 2020). This makes listed individuals from far nations to gain access to U.S.
The DHS and other security agencies need to help Mexico overcome security challenges it is facing. This may include forming a partnership to retrain the Mexico border patrol officers. Two, the issue of border control should be of mutual interest. But, the challenge with Mexico security agencies seems to be deep-rooted in the nation economic status. Why is the U.S. not helping Mexico to be self-reliant? So that the illegal immigrants can find something to do at their nation (Mann, 2021).
The DHS need to be given more resources and personnel to be able to contain mass movement on the Southern border. Having surveillance cameras in place is not enough. Border control officers should be enough to handle the illegal immigrants. What has been going on the Southern border is not health for the nation. It may be lone wolfs uses the Southern border as the gateway (DHS, 2020).
