National Security Branch
The FBI created the National Security Branch (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.
Structure of the NSB
The traditional distinction between national security and criminal matters is increasingly blurred as terrorists commit crimes to finance their activities and computer hackers create vulnerabilities that can be exploited.The integration of intelligence and investigations makes the FBI uniquely situated to 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 five components work together to accomplish the Branch’s overarching national security mission.
Counterintelligence
The FBI is the lead agency for exposing, preventing, and investigating intelligence activities, including espionage, on U.S. soil and uses its investigative and intelligence capabilities--as well as strategic partnerships--to pursue spies.
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
Born out of the events of September 11, 2001 and created in 2003, the Terrorist Screening Center maintains the U.S. government’s consolidated Terrorist Watchlist—a single database of identifying information about those known to be (or reasonably suspected of being) involved in terrorist activity. By supporting the ability of front-line screening agencies to positively identify known or suspected terrorists trying to obtain visas, enter the country, board aircraft, or engage in other activity, the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist is one of the most effective counterterrorism tools for the U.S. government.
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.
- 09.16.2021 — Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS
- 09.14.2021 — Pennsylvania Men Indicted for Conspiracy and Assault on Law Enforcement During January Sixth Capitol Breach
- 09.14.2021 — Iranian National Sentenced for Illegally Exporting Military Sensitive Items
- 09.14.2021 — Florida Residents Charged with Conspiring to Violate Iran Sanctions, Other Crimes
- 09.14.2021 — Three Former U.S. Intelligence Community and Military Personnel Agree to Pay More Than $1.68 Million to Resolve Criminal Charges Arising from Their Provision of Hacking-Related Services to a Foreign Government
- 09.13.2021 — Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime
- 09.10.2021 — September 11th Anniversary: #neverforget: Statement by Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey
- 09.10.2021 — Hard-Earned Lessons from 9/11 Offer a Playbook for Combating Today’s Threats
- 09.09.2021 — Bellingham, Washington Woman Convicted of ‘Shunt’ Attack on BNSF Railroad
- 09.09.2021 — Bangladeshi Husband and Wife Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS
