“United States of Jihad”, National Press Club, Washington DC

Peter Bergen will discuss his new book “United States of Jihad: Investigating America’s Homegrown Terrorists” on April 1st at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Rooms.

Since 9/11, more than three hundred Americans—born and raised in Minnesota, Alabama, New Jersey, and elsewhere—have been indicted or convicted of terrorism charges. Some have taken the fight abroad: an American was among those who planned the attacks in Mumbai, and more than eighty U.S. citizens have been charged with ISIS-related crimes. Others have acted on American soil, as with the attacks at Fort Hood, the Boston Marathon, and in San Bernardino. What motivates them, how are they trained, and what do we sacrifice in our efforts to track them?

In authoritative books including Manhunt, Holy War, Inc., and The Longest War, Bergen, a CNN security analyst and New America vice president, has explored terrorism throughout the Middle East, including profiles of many key figures. In his fifth book on radical Islam, Bergen looks closer to home, investigating the motivations of some of the more than 300 U.S. citizens who have been indicted for or convicted of terrorist acts—some carried out in this country. Focusing in detail on New Mexico-born Anwar al-Awlaki, the Tsarnaev brothers’ mentor; and Alabama-native Omar Hammami, among others, Bergen draws on his deep familiarity with counterterrorism agencies, and asks how we can preserve both security and freedom while staying alert to radical threats.

The event includes an author discussion, Q&A from the audience, and book signing. Tickets are $5 for NPC members; $10 public. This event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit NPC Journalism Institute.

No outside books or memorabilia permitted. Books must be purchased through the National Press Club. All sales are final; no refunds will be issued.