Should springing of US terrorism convicts alarm Americans?
WASHINGTON — Dozens of convicts serving time in U.S. prisons for terrorism-related offences are due to be released in the next several years, raising the question whether that’s something Americans should fear.
There’s no easy answer.
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States has worked aggressively to foil attacks and has imprisoned hundreds of people who joined or helped militant groups. Experts say less attention has been paid to what happens once those prisoners complete their sentences.
Among the incarcerated, according to the Bureau of Prisons, are 380 linked to international terrorism and 83 tied to domestic terrorism. A Congressional Research Service report said 50 “homegrown violent jihadists” were to be released between last January and the end of 2026.