Allow me to make a modest proposal, brothers and sisters of America: Islamic fundamentalism is antithetical to America, incompatible in any form with a constitutional republic, and at odds with our culture of personal liberties and embrace of Christendom. Thanks to the tradition of tribalism and the fractured concept of pan-Arabism, Islam only understands and respects the power of the sword, its dialect of diplomacy.
As a former DIA intelligence officer and a combat infantry/military intelligence officer, I speak with empirical authority. Islamic violence isn’t a myth or a misunderstanding – it’s a clear and present danger, carving a path of death and destruction across our nation.
Over the past decade, Islamic attacks have grown bolder, bloodier, and more frequent, fueled by a fundamentalist ideology that laughs in the face of our freedoms. Let’s lay out the grim ledger of a butcher’s bill of the past 10 years:
- July 16, 2015: Chattanooga Shootings, Tenn. – A lone gunman, inspired by Islamic extremism, unleashed hell at a recruiting center and naval facility. Five died, two were injured. Financial damage estimate: $1 million in property and security upgrades.
- Dec. 2, 2015: San Bernardino Attack, Calif. – A radicalized couple stormed a Christmas party with rifles, killing 14 and injuring 22. Estimated damages topped $2 million, including response costs and facility repairs.
- June 12, 2016: Orlando Nightclub Shooting, Fla. – The deadliest single attack in this period. An ISIS-pledged shooter massacred 49 people and wounded 53 at a gay nightclub. Estimated economic toll: $10 million in recovery, security, and lost business.
- Oct. 31, 2017: New York City Truck Attack – A jihadist plowed a truck through a bike path, killing eight and injuring 13. Estimated damages hit $3 million, from infrastructure to emergency response.
- Dec. 6, 2019: Pensacola Naval Base Shooting, Fla. – A Saudi Air Force cadet, radicalized by Al-Qaeda, killed three and injured eight. Estimated damages: $5 million for base repairs and heightened security.
- Jan. 1, 2025: New Orleans Vehicle Attack – A recent horror, where a vehicle-ramming attack tied to Islamic extremism claimed lives (exact toll pending, estimated 14 dead, dozens injured). Early damage estimates: $8 million.
The Body Count and Costs:
- Total Killed: Approximately 93 (conservative estimate, pending final New Orleans data).
- Total Injured: Over 150, with long-term physical and psychological scars.
- Financial Damages: A staggering $29 million+, bleeding taxpayers dry for cleanup, security and recovery.
FBI Estimates of Thwarted Attacks:
- The FBI has not released precise annual figures for thwarted Islamic terrorist attacks, but available data paints a chilling picture. A 2013 Heritage Foundation report noted at least 60 Islamist-inspired plots against the U.S. since 9/11, with 53 foiled by law enforcement.
- In 2015, FBI Director James Comey reported at least 10 arrests of ISIS-inspired individuals planning attacks around the July 4th holiday alone.
- A 2025 CSIS report cites 10 disrupted jihadist plots between 2020 and 2025, averaging about two per year, though this likely undercounts total FBI efforts.
- Conservative estimate: Based on these sources, the FBI likely thwarted 20-30 Islamic terrorist plots from 2015 to 2025, preventing potentially hundreds of deaths and millions in damages.
Readers must understand that these aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a pattern of destruction fueled by a toxic ideology that thrives on hate.
What is even more frightening is the possibility that any of these neutralized plots could have been another 9/11 level of destruction. From 2015 to 2025, the frequency and ferocity of these attacks have surged. The New Orleans attack, fresh in our minds, signals a chilling escalation. Islamic fundamentalism isn’t fading; it’s digging in, exploiting our open society to strike at our heart.
Why the uptick? Look no further than the global spread of jihadist ideology, amplified by porous borders and enabled and supported by pacifistic, weak-kneed policies and non-leaders. Groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda inspire lone wolves and cells, radicalizing individuals through online propaganda.
The result? A steady drumbeat of violence that’s outpacing our response. The path forward should include:
- Zero Tolerance: Deport or detain anyone linked to jihadist ideologies. No half-measures.
- Border Security: Seal the gaps. Radicalism thrives on unchecked immigration.
- Cultural Defense: Promote American values unapologetically. Assimilation, not appeasement.
- Global Strike: Crush terrorist strongholds abroad. No sanctuary for jihadists.
In sum, over the past decade, at least six major Islamic terrorist attacks have rocked America, claiming nearly 100 lives, injuring over 150, and costing tens of millions. This isn’t a blip – it’s a clear and present danger and a future trend that demands action. We must destroy it – root and branch – through relentless policy, unwavering resolve, and a refusal to cower. America’s survival depends on it.
The FBI’s unsung victories in thwarting 20-30 Islamic terrorist plots over the past decade deserve our gratitude but also our scrutiny. Each disrupted plan – whether a bombing in a crowded city or an assault on a military base – represents lives saved and communities spared. Yet, the sheer volume of these near misses underscores the relentless ambition of jihadist networks.
The FBI’s counterterrorism efforts, bolstered by community tips and intelligence, have kept the wolf at bay, but the beast is still circling. We cannot rely on defensive measures alone; we must go on the offensive, dismantling the ideology and infrastructure of Islamic fundamentalism before the next plot materializes. Let’s roll…
Troy Carico is a former infantry enlisted soldier (11B) and infantry officer with branch qualifications including counterintelligence (35E) and military intelligence (35D). He served with distinction in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years, and is highly decorated and service connected disabled. He also has prior service as a civilian intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency Great Skills Program and has served in numerous clandestine assignments throughout the world.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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