America, it’s time to grapple with the sobering reality.
We are not safe, anywhere. Whether our own home, out to dinner with friends, taking in a theme park with family, walking the streets of a crowded major city at any time of day or even staying at a hotel named after an infamous individual.
Accept it. Get over the initial shock and refusal. Instead of whining about it, take the next steps necessary to deal with it.
The recent tragedies in New Orleans, where multiple lives were lost because of an avowed home-grown terrorist using a powerful vehicle as a weapon against innocent people, to the planned carnage from yet another home-grown terrorist leading to the explosion of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas, have left Americans questioning everything about being secure.
And well they should.
These events underscore a sobering reality: public spaces in the United States are increasingly becoming targets for random acts of terror and violence. Those who plan such crimes are fully aware that there are places susceptible to destruction, and no matter how well authorities seek to limit such carnage, there is no way any place is guaranteed safe. As a nation then, we face the daunting task of enhancing security measures to safeguard our citizens, all while grappling with the potential impact on civil liberties and the social fabric of public life.
The Growing Threat of Public Violence
Statistics paint a grim picture. According to the Gun Violence Archive, mass shootings in the U.S. exceeded 600 in 2023 alone, a staggering number that reflects an ongoing crisis. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report highlights an uptick in domestic terrorism incidents, with nearly 60% of them targeting densely populated public areas. Events like the Cybertruck explosion underscore the vulnerability of high-profile venues and gatherings to both physical and technological threats.
Public places, once considered safe havens, are now seen as potential danger zones. Sporting events, concerts, casinos, and outdoor festivals are prime targets for individuals seeking to cause mass harm. The implications are clear: America must adopt more stringent security measures to mitigate these risks, even if it means fundamentally altering the way we experience public life.
Honestly, it will mean changes a good number of people won’t be comfortable with. Too bad. Those who seek death and destruction as their manner of message don’t give a damn what you or I think is uncomfortable. Their aim is to destroy property, speak to some added-manner of protest, and kill as many people as possible.
If we don’t address our responses knowing that to be true, then we are resigned to more body bags at public events.
The Necessity of Enhanced Security
Enhanced security in public spaces is no longer a matter of debate but of necessity. There can be no choice save for addressing the issue head-on and with a serious resolve, no matter the cost. The tragedy of New Orleans, only the most recent in a long line of attacks on America, reveals a pressing need for more comprehensive measures.
Increased Screening: Metal detectors, bag checks, and body scanners must become standard at large gatherings, and an immediate consideration even at smaller events. While these measures can cause delays, they are essential in identifying and intercepting potential threats. That extra 10 minutes it takes to screen everyone, every piece of baggage and other item capable of carrying weaponry, could save your life and that of those you love. It can mean the difference between life and death.
Improved Technology: Advanced surveillance systems, including AI-powered cameras and facial recognition technology, can detect suspicious behavior in real-time. These tools are critical in identifying potential attackers before they strike. Yes, they are expensive. If our governing bodies and individuals spent more time being concerned with the health and well-being of every person instead of their own political babble and greed, we could find all the money we need to make the general public safer.
Trained Personnel: Security teams need to be better trained to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively. This includes de-escalation tactics and protocols for addressing unconventional threats like vehicle-based attacks or drones. Where security for events used to be those who were just needing a quick paycheck and would puff out their chests at being able to carry a badge and set of handcuffs, we have reached the stage where security at every level has to be well-trained, both mentally and physically able to respond to emergencies. The day of the pot-bellied security guard tooling about in a used car armed with yellow bubble lights on the roof are gone. It’s half-baked security measures such as these that make any event more attractive to the dedicated terrorist.
Cybersecurity Measures: The United States is woefully far behind when it comes to cybersecurity, again with Federal and local governments failing miserably to make this a priority. The integration of technology in public life also makes us vulnerable to cyberattacks. Improved digital infrastructure is needed to prevent hacking incidents that could disrupt public safety systems or target high-profile events. Several studies believe America is one of the most susceptible countries in the world when it comes to being handcuffed and held virtual hostage by cyber-criminals, and understanding how hackers and other dark web style actors can affect and even disable our poor level of cybersecurity is frightening.
The Challenge of Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
While the need for increased security is undeniable, it raises important questions about civil liberties. Frequent screenings and surveillance can create an atmosphere of distrust and infringe upon personal freedoms. The use of facial recognition technology, for instance, has sparked debates about privacy and the potential for misuse or bias.
Moreover, a heavily securitized society risks normalizing fear and suspicion, potentially deterring people from participating in public life. Large-scale gatherings, once a hallmark of community and culture, could dwindle as individuals opt to avoid perceived risks. According to a 2023 survey by Pew Research Center, nearly 40% of Americans expressed hesitation about attending large public events due to safety concerns. This trend could lead to a society where public spaces are dominated by barriers and checkpoints, eroding the communal spirit that binds us together.
However, the resolution must be evident that some civil liberties will be impacted, but not for any connection in a government seeking to cull information for nefarious purposes.
To make it simple, bad actors don’t give a damn if you’re inconvenienced by another bag check or having your picture shared among agencies seeking to protect the general population. They are counting on our reticence to create impactful security measures, as that only strengthens their ability to kill as many as possible.
We must strike a balance. It won’t make everyone happy, but the reality of what our society has become because of the criminal element must not be under-served or overlooked. Saving lives and defeating the terrorists must take full and complete dedication.
The Airport Conundrum
Recent incidents involving stowaways and unauthorized individuals boarding airplanes have highlighted vulnerabilities in airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has already implemented rigorous screening processes, yet gaps remain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 2,000 security breaches in 2023 alone, a figure that underscores the urgent need for tighter restrictions.
Enhanced measures at airports might include biometric verification, expanded no-fly lists, and more thorough background checks for passengers and employees alike. However, these measures come with their own challenges, including increased wait times and the potential for profiling. Striking the right balance between security and efficiency will be critical in maintaining public trust.
You may have to get to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. You may have to understand the need for pre-security registration. You may need to grudgingly agree to now being able to carry only certain items on board, as they can be compromised by smart terrorists. Again, it comes down to how secure you want to be in the face of a criminal element that doesn’t give a damn about your inconveniences.
A New Phase of Public Security
As we move into this new phase of necessary security, it is imperative to adopt a multi-faceted approach:
Community Engagement: Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, fostering a culture of vigilance without paranoia. The old “See Something, Say Something” has never been more important. Criminals rely partly on the knowledge that most people don’t want to get involved, and that opens a pathway for their actions.
Government Investment: Federal and state governments must allocate resources for upgrading security infrastructure and supporting research into non-invasive technologies that enhance safety without compromising freedoms. Voters and those being served by their elected officials must stand up and loudly make noise about public safety, and demand they cease being involved in nonsense legislation and denials of actions that are designed to increase security. In other words, less babble from the pulpit and more action.
Policy Reform: Clear guidelines on the use of surveillance technology and data collection can help address concerns about privacy and accountability. This is one of those places critical areas where Republicans and Democrats need to stop their incessant and infantile arguing, stop looking at such issues as partisan, and do their job in protecting every American citizen.
International Collaboration: Learning from other nations that have successfully navigated similar challenges can provide valuable insights. For instance, Israel’s layered security approach combines technology with human intelligence to great effect. Terrorists have long counted on nations squabbling and refusing to pool their resources to create a more effective net against their efforts. Far too many elected officials in America are determined to be isolationist, continuing the ridiculous idea that America always knows better than everyone else. Arrogance and ignorance will cost lives, and the criminal element depends on it.
A Greater Sense of Imagination: What happened in New Orleans was a blatant lack of imagination. No one seemed to imagine a vehicle being used as a weapon for a busy gathering, and their lack of having the proper security barriers in place revealed a tragically lax attitude toward protection. Knowing there was a confluence of New Years Eve and a major college football bowl game, and allowing certain security items such as bollards to block vehicles to be “under repair”, proves those in charge were lazy in their thinking. That’s something the terrorist depends upon.
There actually was a level of luck involved in the Las Vegas event as the terrorist sought to make a statement and failed to use his weapon in a much denser gathering. Has he planned better, we could have seen a much greater level of death other than his own.
While it is impossible to prevent every attack, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to minimize risks. Enhanced security measures, improved technology, and a proactive approach can help restore a sense of safety in public spaces.
We are currently not doing everything in our power to blunt these attacks and keep innocents safe.
As we bolster our defenses, we must remain vigilant about preserving the freedoms and values that define our society. The challenge lies in finding a balance between security and liberty, ensuring that fear does not dictate how we live our lives. By addressing these issues thoughtfully and collaboratively, America can emerge stronger, safer, and more united in the face of adversity.
Failing to address these issues will leave more events open to attack, encourage terrorists to craft more involved methods of killing, and cost more lives. Lives that could be you, someone you know, those you love.
Fourteen people are dead from the New Orleans attack. Fourteen families and hundreds of people will no longer see or talk to those they care about.
It can be avoided and prevented, only if there is a deep and unwavering resolve to make it so.
Ed Berliner is the Executive Editor and Columnist for the email newsletter, "Shakedown Street", and an Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist. He speaks on the intersection of media and security to conferences and meetings around the world. Red more of his work and that of other excellent journalists by subscribing to "Shakedown Street" and being in touch via social media.
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