Understanding Political Violence and Public Safety: Insights from Protest Crimes, Hate Crimes, Radicalization, and Counterterrorism

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The current panel, hosted by the National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center of Excellence for the Department of Homeland Security, explores critical issues related to political violence, extremism, and public safety through five distinct studies. The first presentation examines the diversity of individuals charged with protest-related crimes during the 2020 unrest, distinguishing between opportunistic and ideologically motivated actors. The second presentation investigates the role of mental health in countering violent extremism, analyzing data from a UK CVE mental health hub to assess unmet needs and case complexity. The third presentation focuses on public perceptions of anti-Asian hate crimes post-pandemic, highlighting the impact of media framing and societal biases. The fourth presentation evaluates factors influencing public willingness to report suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of anonymity and the characteristics of reporting platforms. The final presentation assesses ISIS-inspired extremist activity in the U.S. post-2019, offering insights into trends in radicalization and homegrown terrorism. Collectively, these studies contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of extremism and crime, informing policy and prevention strategies.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Types of Offending / 22. State Crime, Political Crime, and Terrorism

Individual Presentations

• From Opportunists to Planners: A Typology of Criminal Protester - Michael Logan, Kennesaw State University

• Safeguarding in Countering Violent Extremism: Examining Unmet Mental Health Needs - Amber Seaward, University College London

• Awareness of and Attitudes toward Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Post COVID-19 - Alice Jurkiewicz, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE; Erin M. Kearns, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE

• Breaking the Silence: How Anonymity, Reporting Methods, and Authorities Impact Willingness to Report Suspicious Activity - Callie Vitro, University of Nebraska Omaha; Isaac Moelter, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE; Erin M. Kearns, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE

• Sources of Variation in American ISIS Cases Before and After the Caliphate, 2014-2024 - Camden Carmichael, UNO/NCITE; Callie Vitro, University of Nebraska Omaha; Austin Doctor, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE; Seamus Hughes, University of Nebraska Omaha / NCITE

Chair

• Michael Logan, Kennesaw State University

Discussant

• Steven Windisch, University of Arkansas

Organized by a Division or external group?

Sponsored by NCITE & the Division on Terrorism & Bias Crimes