FBI says terrorist threat against hospitals not credible

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The FBI has said a public social media post alleging the planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack targeting hospitals does not represent a credible threat, according to the American Hospital Association.

The AHA and Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health-ISAC) received multiple reports of the threat on March 18. The organizations sent out notifications of the threat but cautioned that they were unable to confirm or dismiss its credibility.

Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks, the AHA said, but explained that regardless of the veracity of the threat, the post – which was widely viewed – might encourage others to direct malicious efforts toward the healthcare industry.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Despite the apparently bogus nature of the threat, the FBI, AHA and Health-ISAC cautioned that standard vigilance should be maintained.

This includes a visible security presence to deter any act of targeted violence on hospital premises. As always, suspicious or threatening activity should be reported to local law enforcement, the AHA said.

The FBI advised that if they receive credible threat information, they will immediately advise any identified potential targets and, if appropriate, alert the broader healthcare sector through the AHA, the Health-ISAC and other appropriate channels.

THE LARGER TREND

Last week, the American Hospital Association and the nonprofit Health-ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Center) warned of a potential terrorist threat against U.S. hospitals in the coming weeks.

On March 18, user @AXactual made a post on X with details related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on United States health sector organizations, according to the joint threat bulletin.

Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.