Attorney General Alan Wilson issues statement regarding yesterday's attacks in two U.S. cities

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following statement regarding the need for vigilance in response to attacks in two U.S. cities. 

"In light of the attacks we saw yesterday at Old Dominion University and at a synagogue in Michigan, Americans are once again reminded that the threat of terrorism has not disappeared. It has evolved.

Federal law enforcement has warned that the United States continues to face a persistent threat from radical Islamist ideology, including individuals who are inspired or directed by foreign terror organizations such as ISIS. These attacks increasingly come from individuals already inside our country who are radicalized online and choose soft targets where innocent people gather.

Yesterday’s violence shows exactly why vigilance remains essential. People should never have to fear being attacked while attending school, gathering in public, or worshipping in peace. Yet terrorists deliberately target those places because they know they represent the freedom and openness of the United States.

While there is currently no known, credible threat specific to South Carolina, my office remains in close communication with federal and local law enforcement partners as we monitor the evolving threat environment. Modern terrorism does not always come from organized networks abroad. It can come from individuals here at home who embrace the same violent ideology.

South Carolinians should remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI. Our law enforcement community stands ready, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our citizens.

America will not be intimidated by terrorism. We will defend our communities, protect people of every faith, and stand united against those who seek to bring violence to our homeland."

Read the previous public safety advisory here.