The aftermath of the San Bernardino attack in 2015. Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
TRUMP: “According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home — from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.”
THE FACTS: It’s unclear what DOJ data the president is citing, but the most recent government information on terror-related events doesn’t support his claim.
For example, over half the people Trump referred to were actually born in the U.S., research data from the Dept. of Homeland Security revealed last week. That report also indicated that of the 82 people the federal government determined were inspired by a foreign terrorist group to attempt or commit an attack in the U.S., just over half were native citizens.
For instance, Syed Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife allegedly killed 14 people in the deadly San Bernardino attack in 2015, was born in Chicago. It is true, however, that in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the FBI’s primary concern was foreign terrorists feared to be plotting attacks in the U.S.; that’s no longer the case.
