What are weapons of mass destruction? 

A WMD is defined by U.S. law (18 U.S.C. § 2332a) as any of the following:

• a destructive device, such as an explosive or incendiary bomb, rocket, or grenade
• a weapon that is designed to cause death or serious injury through toxic or poisonous chemicals
• a weapon that contains a biological agent or toxin
• a weapon that is designed to release dangerous levels of radiation or radioactivity

History of WMDD 

In 1995, the FBI established a WMD program within its National Security Division (later renamed the Counterintelligence Division). In 1999, this program was transferred to the newly created Counterterrorism Division.

Ten years later, FBI Director Robert Mueller requested the newly formed National Security Branch design an operational element to meet the WMD threat. On July 26, 2006, the FBI established the WMDD.  

Why WMDD exists 

The FBI determined the threat presented by WMD was sufficient to require specialized attention. The WMDD was established to create a unique combination of law enforcement authorities, intelligence analysis capabilities, and technical subject matter expertise that exists nowhere else in the U.S. government.

Creation of the WMDD enabled the FBI to bring its WMD prevention, mitigation, and response capabilities into a single, focused organization. Preventing, mitigating, and responding to WMD threats and incidents is challenging because WMD threats and incidents are unique in character, response requirements, and potential consequences. While extensive expertise is required to support the FBI’s mission, it is also critical to develop an organizational structure which ensures an effective national approach to preventing, mitigating, and responding to WMD threats and incidents.

Additionally, the WMDD components routinely reach out to key areas of the private sector, such as the chemical and agricultural industries, to increase awareness and sensitivities to potential threats and to facilitate reporting of information with potential intelligence value. This includes establishing a two-way dialogue as well as methods to report suspicious activity. The WMDD has established two WMD-specific InfraGuard portals to provide unclassified information and intelligence products to vetted academia and industry members.

Key programs 

The WMDD coordinates the FBI’s WMD program through a multifaceted approach that addresses all areas of the WMD incident spectrum from prevention through response.

The FBI’s approach to the WMD threat includes four perspectives:

Preparedness: This perspective incorporates planning, training, and exercises to ensure the FBI and its U.S. government partners are ready to respond to WMD threats and incidents. This involves the development of comprehensive plans and policy at the strategic and tactical levels that inform everyone involved in a situation of their specific roles and responsibilities.

Countermeasures: Countermeasures are actions taken to prevent or mitigate the WMD threat. This perspective includes outreach activities and more specialized countermeasures called tripwires.

Tripwires are proactive warning processes established to provide indicators of an emerging threat. In practical terms, they are outreach activities to establish an early warning network where those closest to an emerging situation are aware of potential risks and prepared to inform the FBI before it develops into a WMD threat or incident.

Investigations and operations: For the WMD environment, the FBI investigates the threatened, attempted, or actual use of a WMD, as well as the attempted or actual transfer of materials, knowledge, and technology needed to create a WMD. The FBI maintains a robust response capability that can collect evidence in contaminated areas, render safe hazardous devices, and provide direct command and control support in on-scene situations.

Intelligence: Timely and relevant intelligence is the basis of the FBI’s proactive approach to countermeasures, investigations, and operations. As a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the FBI contributes to and consumes intelligence through analytic products to establish a clear picture of emerging and imminent threats at strategic and tactical levels.

FBI intelligence analysts sort through reams of data to identify the most important information and produce valuable intelligence products. The FBI relies heavily on its special agents to identify intelligence sources for valuable information that could help prevent a WMD incident. The FBI also provides its partners in the Intelligence Community with finished intelligence products that improve awareness of the WMD threat globally.

WMD news 

Contact us 

• To report suspicious activity involving chemical, biological, or radiological materials, call, toll-free: 855-TELL-FBI (855-835-5324).
• Submit an online tip.
• Contact your local FBI office.

FBI resources 

• Publications
• Commercial Facilities: Food Defense Awareness and Outreach
• Suspicious package poster