FBI New Orleans Division

The FBI is the lead federal law enforcement agency in the fight against terrorism in the United States. As such, the FBI is responsible for preventing, interdicting, and investigating the criminal activities of domestic and international terrorist groups and individuals in the United States.

The FBI defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence, committee by a group(s) of two or more individuals, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. International terrorism is considered to be the unlawful use of force or violence, committed by a group(s) or individual(s), who is foreign based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the U.S. or whose activities transcend national boundaries, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

In the last several years, the FBI has noted a new trend in terrorism in the U.S. This trend involved a transition form more numerous, low-level incidents to less frequent but more highly destructive attacks which are designed to produce mass casualties and attract intense media coverage. In FY 1996, the FBI recorded one act of terrorism in the U.S. At 1:20 a.m. (EDT), July 27, 1996, a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park.

The New Orleans FBI Field Office recently received personnel enhancements to increase investigative activity relating to domestic, as well as international terrorism. The New Orleans Field Office has a major role in planning and conducting the security of special events which receive a high degree of visibility. For example, the FBI, ATF, NOPD, and state and local police worked together in the 1997 Superbowl held at the Superdome and the 1997 Bayou Classic.

Within the U.S., the FBI has been assigned the lead law enforcement role in responding to acts of nuclear, biological, or chemical terrorism. Under our Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, the New Orleans Field Office maintains liaison and participates in joint exercises with the State Nuclear Facilities, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness, and state and local police.

Contact 504-816-3000 or by fax 504-816-3306 with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: June 6, 2005