California State Assembly: Preventing Domestic Terrorism in California – State and Local Strategies

On May 11, Senior Research Fellow Jason Blazakis gave a presentation to the California State Assembly’s Emergency Management Committee on a panel titled ‘Preventing Domestic Terrorism in California – State and Local Strategies.’ Mr. Blazakis and co-panelist Tom O’Connor delivered remarks and answered questions for state representatives. Mr. Blazakis discussed the threat landscape in California with a focus on foreign terrorist organizations, domestic violent extremists, emerging violent tactics, and the subsequent risks to first responders. He concluded his presentation with several recommendations for California legislators, including expanding the Hertzberg-Alarcon California Prevention of Terrorism Act and requiring tactical defense gear for first responders.