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3.2.18 Terrorism/Agro-terrorism
Calculated Priority Risk Index Planning Significance
2.65 Moderate
Description
The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence
against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any
segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” The threat of terrorism, both
international and domestic, is ever present, and an attack is likely to occur when least expected.
The Southern Poverty Law Center reported that in 2012, there were three active hate groups in
Kansas: one neo-Nazi group (National Socialist Movement in Lansing), one racist skinhead
group (Midland Hammerskins in Wichita), and one anti-gay group (Westboro Baptist Church in
Topeka). Other groups, such as the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Earth Liberation Front (ELF),
and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal (PETA) have sympathizers in the state.
Although no major terrorist acts have been attributed to any of these latter groups, their
involvement in violent acts is meant to disrupt governmental functions and cannot be
discounted.
Agro-terrorism consists of acts to intentionally contaminate, ruin, or otherwise make agricultural
products unfit or dangerous for consumption or further use. Agriculture is an important industry
in Kansas. The introduction of a biological agent into the population of 6.4 million cattle or the
nearly 10 million acres of wheat would be financially devastating and would have a major impact
on the food supply of the state and the nation. A major attack involving the nation’s food supply
could be launched in a rural area that has little capacity to respond. Potential terrorists’ targets
for livestock disease introduction would be concentration points, such as the state’s licensed
feedlots livestock markets. Additionally, Kansas has over 120 agricultural crop-dusters, many of
which are configured for chemical spraying.
Location
The planning area is susceptible to terrorism of any ideology due to the large population base,
and the available transportation nodes. Terrorist tend to strike where large venues of people
are likely to be, such as malls, Kansas Speedway, Sprint Center, and other entertainment
venues. Densely populated areas also facilitate terrorist being able to blend in better so they
can strike with as little warning as possible. The transportation corridor within the Region is
attractive for their escape, should a terrorism campaign be successful. Another attraction for
terrorist in the planning area is the Missouri and Kansas River, which could also aid in their
initial campaign and their exit strategy.
Agro-terrorism is a concern across the state, as well as in Region L. All three counties have an
agricultural footprint that could facilitate an agro-terrorism event that would affect many people.
3.235