FBI, DHS warn of 'lone wolf' July 4 attacks

(NewsNation) — As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate this Fourth of July holiday weekend, authorities across the country are on alert for potential lone wolf attacks.

Ongoing global conflicts, as well as possible copycats, have prompted a notice from federal law enforcement agencies urging the public to stay vigilant.

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffendaffer told NewsNation that lone wolf attacks are the most common type of terrorism in the U.S.

"If you look over the past five years, 93% of attacks in the West have been by lone wolves," she said.

Federal agencies across the country are telling people to be aware, with the most concern about that lone wolf style of attack during this Fourth of July holiday week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, it's going to be a busy one and a lot of folks are taking time off already.

In a joint bulletin, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies said individuals or small groups motivated by political, racial or personal grievances are most likely to target large gatherings like the Macy's fireworks show in New York City, or other celebrations across the country.

The agency has also warned about potential copycat attacks following the New Year's Day incident in New Orleans.

Individuals shouldn't be paranoid, Coffindaffer said, but should be paying attention to their surroundings.

"How can you get out of a particular corridor that you might be in if something bad were to happen? Are you looking to make sure that the street blockades are in the proper location, and if not, you can notify somebody," she said. "How about social media? Have you seen anything coming across your social media that is wrong, where people are threatening or doing something?"

They say global conflicts, including tensions with Iran and the Israel-Hamas war, are also contributing to that heightened threat environment.

The Department of Homeland Security told News Nation it's enhancing security measures right now and coordinating with federal, state and local partners to keep celebrations safe.

Coffindaffer said those measures can include things like barricades and removal of things like trash cans, which could be used to conceal an explosive device, as well as monitoring crowds.

"You're looking for everything from backpacks being left to suspicious activity of individuals, sometimes people dressed in inordinately warm clothing," she said.

Officials emphasize there are no specific credible threats at this time, and they are just asking people to stay vigilant and if they see something, say something.