National Security Branch
The traditional distinction between national security and criminal matters is increasingly blurred, as terrorists commit crimes to finance their activities, and hackers create vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The integration of intelligence and investigations helps the FBI address these threats and vulnerabilities across programs. We draw on both intelligence and law enforcement tools to determine strategically where and when to disrupt threats, and the NSB’s components work together to accomplish the Branch’s overarching national security mission.
The FBI created the NSB in 2005 in response to a presidential directive to establish a “National Security Service” that combines the missions, capabilities, and resources of the FBI’s national security elements under the leadership of a senior FBI official.
Counterintelligence
The FBI is the lead agency for exposing, preventing, and investigating intelligence activities, including espionage, in the U.S.
Terrorism
To counter terrorism, the FBI's top investigative priority, we use our investigative and intelligence capabilities to neutralize domestic extremists and help dismantle terrorist networks worldwide.
Terrorist Screening Center
The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) maintains the U.S. government’s consolidated terrorism watchlist.
WMD
The FBI created the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Directorate in 2006 to support a cohesive and coordinated approach to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) material. The Directorate leads U.S. government efforts to prevent and neutralize WMD threats against the homeland and interests abroad by focusing on outreach, intelligence, operational response, and investigative capabilities designed to keep WMD threats from becoming a reality.
- 05.19.2022 — Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.19.2022 — California Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge for Actions During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.18.2022 — U.S. Citizen and Four Chinese Intelligence Officers Charged with Spying on Prominent Pro-Democracy Activists, Dissidents, and Human Rights Leaders
- 05.13.2022 — California Man Sentenced to Four Months in Prison For Destroying Property During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.13.2022 — California Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.11.2022 — Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge for Offenses Committed During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.11.2022 — North Carolina Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 05.11.2022 — New Jersey Man Convicted of Receiving Military-Type Training From Hizballah, Marriage Fraud, and Making False Statements
- 05.09.2022 — Ph.D. Chemist Sentenced to 168 Months for Conspiracy to Steal Traded Secrets, Economic Espionage, Theft of Trade Secrets, and Wire Fraud
- 05.06.2022 — Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement Officer During January Sixth Capitol Breach
