America is under threat of a terrorist attack. Since the events of September 11, that idea has become a constant reality for the American public. While terrorism is not a new concept, even on American soil, it has increasingly become a reality over the past decade. Terrorism takes many forms and the threats are not always as some might imagine. Local terrorism can have the same effect that international organizations can have. Each group is attempting to achieve its own political or social goals, and the only thing Americans can do is prepare for the inevitable. The attack could come in many forms, but a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack could be devastating. These weapons have been used in the past with devastating results. Despite its treatment of CBRN weapons, America is failing to address its vulnerability to this threat. Terrorism is not a new concept and although the treatment was highlighted by the events of September 11, there has been a history of terrorism in America dating back to the country's establishment. While the proverb “one terrorist is another freedom fighter” may be true in some cases, there is a distinction. The CIA uses a definition outlined by Title 22 Section 2656f(d) of the United States Code, which states that “terrorism means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents” (2013). This definition has two important aspects, politically motivated violence and the targeting of non-combatants. These two aspects address the motivations and methods of a terrorist organization. Through understanding this definition it becomes clear that organizations such as Al-Qaeda are... at the heart of the paper... ....f Public Health, 26(1), 213-239. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.24.100901.140910Rosoff, H. H., & Von Winterfeldt, D. D. (2007). Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Risk Analysis: An International Journal, 27(3), 533-546 doi:10.1111/j.1539-6924.2007.00908.xSharon, B. (n.d.). Washington Times, The (DC). Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/ehost/detail?vid=20&sid=e36aa900-527d-4604-919e Sinai, J. (2005). . Predicting the likelihood of terrorists waging “conventional” CBRN warfare. International Studies Review, 7(1), 151-153. Stanley, A. (2010, April 19). A terrorist, blunt and cold. New York Times. P. 1.Vičar, D., & Vičar, R. (2011). CBRN terrorism: a contribution to risk analysis. JournalOf Defense Asset Management, 2(2), 21-28.