Critical Resource: Understanding the Indicators of US Violent Extremist Mobilization (2025 Update)
The Office of School Safety encourages all school, law enforcement, and community leaders to review the vital US Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet, newly updated for 2025 by the NCTC, FBI, and DHS. This is an essential training tool providing 42 observable indicators derived from federal investigations.
These indicators help professionals and community members recognize behaviors across three stages of mobilization:
- Mobilization: Actions suggesting an attack is imminent (days/hours).
- Preparation: Actions suggesting an attack may occur in weeks or months.
- Motivation: Actions that build or communicate violent ideological beliefs.
Why This Matters for School Safety: The document emphasizes that family members and peers are often the first to detect hints that an individual may be considering violent action. Understanding these indicators is key to successful threat assessment and prevention.
We stress the importance of following the document's guidance: Law enforcement action should never be based solely on constitutionally protected activities or protected characteristics. Always consider the full context and intent.