Leading the Conversation
NCITE experts regularly weigh in on important topics in national, state, and local media.
February
The Digital Shield: Using Cyber Diplomacy to Strengthen National Cyber Resilience
Feb. 9, 2025 | Georgetown Security Studies Review
A contribution co-authored by Thomas Renard, director of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) and member of the International Academic Partnerships for Science and Security (IAPSS) consortium was mentioned in an article about cyber diplomacy.
January
Trial begins for neo-Nazi leader accused of plotting to blow up Maryland's power grid
Jan. 28, 2025 | The Baltimore Banner
NCITE research about federal charges against Atomwaffen Division was cited in an article discussing the trial of the group's founder.
The University of Maine announces its new criminal justice program
Jan. 22, 2025 | Bangor Daily News
Karyn Sporer, NCITE researcher and associate professor at the University of Maine, talked about a new criminal justice major offered at the University of Maine. She said: "It's like a whole new world for us, and I'm really excited that even having the UMaine police department on standby and really getting our students to understand the reality of not just working in criminal justice but who is impacted by the justice system and how can we do it in a smart and equitable way."
Climate of fear is driving local officials to quit - new study from California finds threats, abuse rampant
Jan. 17, 2025 | The Conversation
NCITE research about threats against public officials was cited in an article detailing the high levels of harassment and threats that local public officials in California face.
Why the Terrorgram Collective Designation Matters
Jan. 15, 2025 | Lawfare
Camden Carmichael, NCITE student worker, and Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, were co-authors on an article about the Terrorgram Collective and the impact of its designation as a transnational terrorist group.
How do people become radicalized? Can we DE-radicalize them?
Jan. 15, 2025 | WWL First News
Gina Ligon, NCITE director, talked about the New Orleans attack, radicalization and deradicalization, and more.
Sanctioning of global white supremacist terrorism group rattles U.S. extremist members
Jan. 14, 2025 | The Raw Story
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, spoke about the U.S. State Department categorizing the Terrorgram Collective as a "specially designated global terrorist" organization, saying, “This is the first time you’ve seen a white supremacist group that had members or supporters in the U.S. receive the designation."
School software data breach: What Jackson and Hillsdale parents & students should watch out for
Jan. 13, 2025 | Fox 47 News
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, talked about a potential data breach affecting schools in Michigan. He said, "The biggest risks, at the moment, seem to be around the potential for 'phishing' of parents, teachers, educational institutions, and students."
Michigan State University cybercrime training prepares community for cyber attacks
Jan. 10, 2025 | News Channel 3
NCITE researcher Thomas Holt, professor at Michigan State University, discussed the free trainings about combating cybercrime offered to government agencies. He said: "Technology changes rapidly ... We know that there is always some new app or some new AI program that means that offenders change their behavior as often as technology changes. Our hope is to be able to get people a little bit ahead of that curve and know what is happening right now."
Before Las Vegas, Intel Analysts Warned That Bomb Makers Were Turning to AI
Jan. 8, 2025 | Wired
Seamus Hughes, NCITE senior research faculty and policy associate, commented on the use of AI by extremists to plan attacks. He said: “We’ve also seen the use of AI as a key tool to lowering the bar for entry into an attack ... be it helping with plot planning, kicking around ideas for violent actions without triggering law enforcement scrutiny, and helping them enhance their propaganda output.”
New Orleans Attack
NCITE experts from throughout the consoritum responded quickly to news of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
- Local Insight on the New Orleans Terror Attack
- Jan. 1, 2025 | KETV7
- The Context interview with Gina Ligon
- Jan. 2, 2025 | BBC News
- Authorities have charged at least 3 other alleged ISIS sympathizers in recent months
- Jan. 2, 2025 | CNN
- The New Orleans attacker was inspired by ISIS. How much of a threat does the group pose to the US?
- Jan. 2, 2025 | The Independent
- Experts: ISIS uses social media to radicalize Americans to commit acts of terror
- Jan. 2, 2025 | 13 News
- Islamic State group-inspired New Orleans attack revives familiar fears
- Jan. 2, 2025 | VOA
- How ISIS may have inspired the deadly truck attack in New Orleans
- Jan. 3, 2025 | CBC/Radio Canada
- Could FBI Have Prevented New Orleans Terror Attack?
- Jan. 3, 2025 | Newsweek
- FBI returns to Houston home of New Orleans terror attack suspect
- Jan. 3, 2025 | ABC13
- On New Orleans, Las Vegas, Virginia, and the Threat of Improvised Explosive Devices
- Jan. 3, 2025 | Lawfare
- ‘A perfect storm’: Extremism online and political polarization are increasing the risk of attacks, experts say
- Jan. 4, 2025 | NBC News
- Meta smart glasses worn by New Orleans attacker
- Jan. 6, 2025 | NBC News
- Chaos on Bourbon Street: The Growing Threat of 'Rampage Terrorism'
- Jan. 10, 2025 | George Mason University
- How do people become radicalized? Can we DE-radicalize them?
- Jan. 15, 2025 | WWL First News