Today, Congressman August Pfluger chaired a hearing titled "The Digital Battlefield: How Terrorists Use Online Networks for Recruitment and Radicalization." The hearing aimed to explore how the United States can protect First Amendment rights while preventing future terrorist attacks.
Chairman Pfluger emphasized the seriousness of online threats, stating, "There is no doubt that ISIS actively looks to inspire younger individuals and frequently produces media tailored at juveniles because they think they are more susceptible to terrorist ideologies and more accessible due to their online presence on a range of platforms. We must acknowledge and confront this urgent threat head-on, or we risk having another terrorist attack like New Orleans take place here in the United States."
The panel included Daveed Gartenstein-Ross from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Aaron Zelin from The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Daniel Flesch from the Heritage Foundation, and Kurt Braddock from American University.
During questioning, Chairman Pfluger inquired about balancing First Amendment protections with violence prevention, preemptive awareness of attacks like New Orleans, content moderation responsibilities at platform levels, and university versus federal or state enforcement roles.
Pfluger also welcomed new committee members Gabe Evans, Ryan Mackenzie, Nellie Pou, and Pablo Jose Hernandez. He noted that previous subcommittee hearings addressed national security issues such as transnational criminal organizations and threats from China and Iran. The subcommittee will continue oversight work on entities like DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
Reflecting on past events like 9/11 and recent attacks such as the one in New Orleans by Shamsud-Din Jabbar—who self-radicalized online—Pfluger highlighted ongoing terrorism threats posed by lone actors radicalized via online propaganda. Former FBI Director Wray's statement was cited: "[t]he greatest terrorism threat to our homeland is posed by lone actors or small cells of individuals who typically radicalize to violence online."
From April 2021 to January 2025, over 50 indictments were made against individuals supporting foreign terrorist organizations. Groups like al Qaeda and ISIS rapidly spread propaganda globally through platforms such as Telegram and TikTok.
Chairman Pfluger concluded by expressing hope for continued discussions on terrorism threats facing the nation. "I hope today’s discussion is the first of many productive conversations on the enduring terrorism threats our nation faces," he said.