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22 How Terrorists/Criminals Select a Target or a Victim Terrorists and criminals often consider many factors when selecting a target or vic- tim. Some of their considerations are listed below. Terrorists Only ⢠Terrorists select targets that are highly visible; have a high economic, symbolic, or sentimental value; and have a highly disruptive destruction value. For example, the World Trade Center represented Americaâs economic might. ⢠The method of attack selected is designed to generate shock and widespread pub- lic fear, leave a severe psychological impact, and attract a great deal of attention to the terrorist group and its cause. Terrorists and Criminals ⢠There should be a high potential for success. ⢠Security should be lax or easily overcome. ⢠There is little probability that the intended victim will offer significant or unfore- seen resistance. ⢠There should be multiple opportunities for quick escape after the event. Al Qaeda is an exception to this rule. It prefers suicide attacks to prevent possible capture and interrogation. ⢠Target may be selected on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or politics. Criminals Only ⢠Target may be selected in a more emotional, impulsive manner. ⢠Target may be selected because of a real or imagined slight by a spouse or supervisor. ⢠In the case of road rage, irrational anger is the prevalent force. The victim may only have to be present when the rage explodes.
