The Center on National Security has released a report (PDF) on ISIS prosecutions in the United States.
While the cause of ISIS continues to attract a wide range of individuals, trends can be observed in terms of motivations, personal context, and intent. Among the report’s findings are the following:
- 80% expressed dissatisfaction with the United States in some respect
- 90% were drawn to the caliphate
- 42% were charged with plotting against American targets
- 50% were involved in discussing, procuring, or possessing firearms
- 26% expressed a desire for martyrdom
- 87% of the charged individuals are male
- 77% are U.S. citizens
- 89% use social media
- One-third lived with their parents at the time of arrest
Center on National Security Director Karen Greenberg was quoted in a New York Times article that featured the report.
“These individuals seemed to be looking to attach to something that can help define them as well as give them a cause worth fighting for,” said Karen J. Greenberg, the director of the center.