Terrorism

Terrorism is the unlawful use of force, violence, or threats against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population, or segment thereof in furtherance of political, social, or ideological objectives. Although the BRADD region has not experienced a significant terrorist event, the potential for intentional acts—whether physical or cyber in nature—cannot be entirely ruled out. Modern terrorism encompasses a range of tactics, from attacks on critical infrastructure and public spaces to cyber intrusions targeting essential systems. While the overall likelihood of an incident in South-Central Kentucky is considered low, even isolated events can have substantial physical, psychological, and economic consequences. Recognizing terrorism as a potential hazard allows communities to strengthen interagency coordination, enhance situational awareness, and improve preparedness across public safety, infrastructure, and emergency response systems.

Description Extent, Past Events, & Location Probability Impact Vulnerability Summary Analysis

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. No universally agreed, legally binding definition of terrorism currently exists. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts that are intended to create fear (terror) are perpetrated for a religious, political, or ideological goal, deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians), and are committed by non-government agencies. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence of threat to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that generally political, religious, or ideological.

The major weapons and activities of terrorists include: chemical and biological agents, radiological dispersion devices (RDD commonly referred to as “dirty bombs”), nuclear weapons, conventional explosives, improvised explosive devices (IED which include incendiary devices), kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and shootings.

Other types of terrorism include:

Agri-terrorism: the intentional contamination of food supplies or the introduction of pets and/or disease agents to crops and livestock.

Cyber-terrorism: this is terrorism that involves computers and networks along with information they contain.

Specific Observations & Broader Challenges with Terrorism Risk

Because terrorism is intentional and adversarial, traditional frequency-based risk assessments are not sufficient for evaluating potential impacts. Unlike natural hazards, terrorism cannot be forecasted or modeled using historical trends alone. Effective assessment must incorporate intelligence inputs, threat actor capabilities, and scenario planning to understand possible modes of attack and associated vulnerabilities.

At present, there is limited differentiation between types of terrorism that may affect the region. Distinguishing between domestic and international threats, as well as between physical, cyber, or hybrid forms of terrorism, can help clarify risk pathways and improve mitigation strategies. The region’s profile would also benefit from identifying and assessing critical infrastructure and “soft targets” that may be more susceptible to intentional acts, such as public gathering venues, utilities, schools, and government facilities.

Probability

Because terrorism is intentional and adversarial, you cannot rely solely on historical frequency to derive probability. Many risk models for terrorism must incorporate intelligence assessments, threat actor capabilities, and scenario planning.

While the page references terrorism conceptually, it does not currently include coordination protocols with law enforcement, fusion centers, or homeland security partners that monitor and share threat intelligence. Strengthening interagency coordination—particularly with local emergency management, police, and state agencies—would provide a more credible understanding of regional exposure and response capability.

Cascading and secondary effects of terrorism events, such as public panic, misinformation, economic disruption, and strain on emergency and health systems, are also important considerations. The social and psychological impacts of terrorism can be significant even when physical damage is limited, underscoring the need to plan for behavioral health support and long-term community recovery.

Additionally, the region’s profile does not currently evaluate local preparedness measures such as continuity of operations plans (COOP), security assessments, or mass-casualty response capacity, which are key indicators of resilience. Future updates should also consider emerging risks, such as cyber-physical attacks on utilities and critical networks, and how these may intersect with traditional forms of terrorism.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge both the limitations and sensitivities of terrorism-related data. Some information—such as specific target locations or threat intelligence—cannot be publicly shared due to security concerns. Nonetheless, transparency in describing the general methods, assumptions, and partnerships used to assess terrorism risk would enhance credibility while maintaining confidentiality.

Impact

The impacts of a terrorism event can vary widely depending on the target, scale, and method of attack. While the likelihood of a significant incident in the BRADD region is considered low, the potential consequences are high. A successful act of terrorism could result in loss of life, serious injuries, property damage, and disruption of essential services such as transportation, utilities, and communications. Beyond the immediate physical effects, terrorism can generate widespread psychological distress, fear, and economic instability across affected communities. Secondary impacts may include temporary business closures, reduced tourism activity, and increased demand on emergency response and healthcare systems. Even isolated or unsuccessful attempts can erode public confidence and strain local resources, highlighting the importance of preparedness, coordination, and public awareness in mitigating these potential outcomes.

Vulnerability

Across the BRADD region, vulnerability to terrorism is considered generally low; however, varying degrees of exposure exist due to differences in population density, transportation corridors, tourism activity, and the presence of critical infrastructure. Urban centers such as Bowling Green and Franklin face relatively higher exposure due to concentrations of people, essential services, and regional facilities, while rural counties remain less likely to experience direct acts of terrorism but may face challenges with communication and response coordination. Key vulnerabilities across the region include limited local intelligence capabilities, potential impacts to transportation and utility systems, and the social and economic disruption that could result from an intentional act or even the perception of threat. Ongoing coordination with law enforcement, emergency management, and community stakeholders remains essential to sustaining preparedness and resilience throughout the region.

People
The intent of terrorist attacks is to cause death, injury, and widespread panic. The health and physical safety of the population is at risk, as well their psychological well-being.

Economy
Depending on the size and nature of the attack, a terrorist attack could wreak havoc on a local economy both by destroying infrastructure necessary for the functioning of the economy but also by limiting participation in the economy by inciting fear in the populace.

Built Environment
The impact to the built environment will depend on the nature of the attack, but if a facility is specifically targeted it could be destroyed as the purpose of the attack.

Natural Environment
Agri-terrorism or environmental terrorism could destroy the natural environment.

Climate change is expected to increase vulnerability of marginalized populations and add economic pressures, which can add to increased susceptibility to climate impacts. In addition, aging infrastructure in the region and more civil unrest during political, social, and economic protests may cause an increase in activism and those threatened by change needed to adapt to climate impacts. Collectively, these issues may lead to a higher threat of terrorism-related activities, particularly in urbanized and high population areas, including potential targeting of activities that are deemed threatening, like agricultural practices or development, which may solicit opposition via terrorism of differing varieties (e.g., infrastructural, property, etc.).

Summary Analysis

Allen County’s vulnerability to terrorism is considered low; however, the presence of key transportation corridors and community gathering spaces presents potential exposure points. The City of Scottsville serves as the county’s primary population and service center, containing government offices, schools, and public venues that could be impacted by disruptive acts. While there are no known high-value targets, limited public safety resources and rural dispersion may challenge rapid response or information sharing in the event of an intentional threat.
Barren County’s position along major highway routes and proximity to Interstate 65 increases exposure to transient traffic and through-movement, which can elevate risk of intentional acts involving transportation or public venues. The City of Glasgow contains critical infrastructure including medical facilities, schools, and local government buildings. Large public gatherings, such as community events and festivals, may also present soft targets. The county’s diversified economy and centralized emergency management coordination support moderate resilience but warrant continued vigilance and interagency planning.
Butler County’s vulnerability to terrorism is minimal due to its predominantly rural character and low population density. The City of Morgantown includes essential services and government offices that could experience localized disruption in an intentional incident. The county’s dispersed population and limited critical infrastructure reduce potential large-scale impacts; however, reliance on regional partners for specialized response capabilities underscores the need for coordinated communication and preparedness planning.
Edmonson County faces a low overall risk of terrorism but contains sensitive assets such as Mammoth Cave National Park, which attracts significant visitor traffic and could represent a symbolic or opportunistic target. Seasonal tourism and the county’s extensive natural areas complicate emergency response logistics. Coordination with National Park Service law enforcement and local emergency services is vital to maintaining situational awareness and readiness.
Hart County’s vulnerability stems from its transportation assets and tourism economy. With Interstate 65, multiple state highways, and attractions such as Hidden River Cave, the county experiences substantial visitor traffic and transient population movement. While there are no identified high-profile targets, the combination of interstate access and visitor activity increases the need for strong coordination between local law enforcement, tourism agencies, and emergency management to ensure threat detection and response capability.
Logan County’s vulnerability to terrorism is low, though certain features—such as industrial operations, transportation routes, and public utilities—represent potential targets for disruption. The City of Russellville functions as a commercial and governmental hub where concentrated activity could heighten exposure. The county benefits from established emergency coordination networks but may face challenges related to rural response times and resource limitations in the event of a coordinated or disruptive act.
Metcalfe County’s small population and limited concentration of critical facilities result in low vulnerability to terrorism. Most essential services are located within the City of Edmonton, including schools, public offices, and emergency services. While the likelihood of targeted acts is minimal, the county’s rural geography may delay information flow and response coordination. Maintaining regional partnerships and public awareness are key to sustaining preparedness for intentional threats.
Monroe County’s vulnerability to terrorism remains low; however, its border proximity to Tennessee and reliance on regional transportation routes introduce limited exposure. Tompkinsville serves as the county’s administrative and commercial center, with schools, healthcare facilities, and government offices as potential soft targets. The county’s small size and close-knit community support rapid information dissemination but also underscore the importance of coordination with state and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
Simpson County’s vulnerability to terrorism is moderate relative to its size, primarily due to its location along Interstate 65 and proximity to the Nashville metropolitan area. The City of Franklin contains several critical facilities, including schools, utilities, and regional distribution centers. The county’s industrial and logistics operations may present potential exposure to intentional disruptions. Ongoing coordination with transportation and emergency partners supports resilience, but continuous vigilance and preparedness planning remain essential.
Warren County has the highest relative vulnerability to terrorism within the BRADD region due to its population density, economic activity, and presence of critical regional infrastructure. Bowling Green, as a major urban and educational center, contains government offices, healthcare facilities, Western Kentucky University, and large public venues that could serve as potential soft targets. The county’s diverse population, transportation corridors, and economic importance increase exposure, but robust local emergency management capacity, mutual aid agreements, and active coordination with law enforcement agencies significantly enhance preparedness and response capability.