Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 13 February 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Afghan held after suspected ramming attack injures 28 in Germany 

 On February 13, 2025, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a white Mini Cooper into a crowd during a Verdi trade union demonstration near Munich’s central train station, injuring 28 people, some critically. The suspect, known to authorities for prior drug and theft offenses, was arrested at the scene. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder described the incident as a suspected attack. The attack occurred just before the Munich Security Conference, raising concerns about security and migration policies ahead of Germany’s federal elections.  

 Analyst Comments:  

As Germany approaches its federal election, this attack could become a key topic in political debates. Vehicles have been utilized by various groups and individuals to target civilians and public gatherings. Vehicles have been utilized by various groups and individuals to target civilians and public gatherings. Here you can find the history over the last 20 years on vehicles being used as a weapon. And as we have previously shared, CISA offers useful resources on vehicle ramming. 

 AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report: Behind the Numbers 

 According to the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and college campuses have become the arenas where young American Jews face rising levels of antisemitism. The most recent State of Antisemitism in American Report, released by the AJC on February 12, 2025, highlights the continued growth of this issue, particularly online and on social media platforms, where antisemitism is perpetuated by both far-right white supremacists and anti-Israel extremists on the far left. 

Related articles: 

• 5 Takeaways from AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report 

• Survey: A third of US Jews have experienced antisemitism, 3/4 feel less safe 

 Analyst Comments: 

The rise in concerns among Jewish Americans about their safety following the October 7 attacks suggests an increased sense of vulnerability within the community. This may be reflective of wider societal changes and the influence of global events on local populations. This highlights the ongoing challenge of tackling hate speech and harmful content on social media. The DOJ provides a resource to prevent hate crimes in your community. 

US warns citizens of potential terror threats at key mosque in Pakistan’s capital 

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued a warning advising American citizens to avoid the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad due to potential terrorist threat. This follows a social media video featuring a militant from the Tehirk-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been listed by the UN as a global terrorist group. The U.S. also prohibited its staff from visiting the mosque. The TTP has a history of deadly attacks, mainly targeting Pakistani security forces. This warning coincides with heightened security during Turkish President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan. The TTP has long been based in Afghanistan, where militant activity remains high. 

Analyst Comments:  

The U.S. Embassy’s warning emphasizes the escalating security risks in Pakistan, especially from the TTP, a group that is becoming more active and dangerous. By singling out the Faisal-Mosque, an iconic and symbolic site in Islamabad, the warning signals a significant threat, as the mosque often draws large crowds, making it an attractive target for extremist attacks.  

The U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators 2021 is a 34-page booklet produced by the Office of the Director of National Security (DNI), FBI, and DHS. The guide provides 43 indicators that US-based violent extremists are preparing an attack. The indicators are broken down by groups that may observe the indicators.  

• Family Members and Peers 

• Social Media Users 

• Community Authority Figures and Members 

• Including religious leaders 

• Commercial Sector Representatives 

• Financial Sector Representatives