The FBI is the lead federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. Government's fight against terrorism. Terrorism can be defined as the unlawful use of force, violence, or other criminal activity "against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives." The FBI's role is to detect, investigate and prevent terrorists and acts of terrorism in the United States and against U.S. persons and interests abroad. This is accomplished through investigation and authorized intelligence collection. The FBI divides terrorism into two categories: domestic and international.

Examples of Terrorism Matters Investigated by the FBI

• Bombings, Bomb Threats Arson and Explosives matters
• Weapons of Mass Destruction, including biological, chemical and nuclear
• Treason, Sedition, Neutrality Act, and Overthrow of the Government
• Sabotage, Assassinations, and Civil Unrest (in certain circumstances)
• Fundraising/Money Laundering in support of terrorist organizations
• Atomic Energy Act
• Animal Enterprise Protection Act
• Criminal activity directed at federally designated special events
• Any other crime committed in support of terrorism

Task Forces

The Seattle Office has three task forces operating to address terrorism matters:

• Puget Sound Joint Terrorism Task Force (PSJTTF)

  PSJTTF was formed in 2000, and is one of approximately 30 FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in the U.S. Participating agencies provide personnel to the FBI to conduct domestic and international terrorism investigations using skills, tools and resources of the broader public safety community. The PSJTTF has two branches, based in Seattle and Spokane.

• Puget Sound Counterterrorism Working Group (PSCTWG)

  PSCTWG was formed in 1998. Its purpose is to allow various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Puget Sound area to share information and conduct terrorism investigations in cases where there is overlapping jurisdiction or the need for the resources of multiple agencies not currently participating in the PSJTTF.

• Inland Northwest Regional Terrorism Task Force (INRTTF)

  The INRTTF was formed in 1997, and is based in Spokane. It operates in conjunction with the FBI's Salt Lake City Office. The INRTTF serves the same purpose as the PSCTWG for Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Western Montana.