This week marks the 45th anniversary of the FBI's first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), and Special Agent in Charge (SAC) R. Joseph Rothrock is highlighting the critical role of the North Texas JTTF in safeguarding the region. The first JTTF was established in New York in 1980, pioneering a model of law enforcement collaboration that has since been replicated nationwide.
The Dallas Field Office formed its North Texas JTTF in 1995, bringing together dozens of investigators from over 20 federal, state, local, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. These task forces combine trained investigators, intelligence analysts, linguists, and tactical experts to share information, investigate leads, and respond to potential threats.
"We know from each potential crisis or thwarted attack that we cannot do this job alone," said SAC Rothrock. "Each member of the North Texas JTTF brings unique skills and specialized resources from their agency to enhance our collective investigative capabilities. We are proud to work side-by-side with our partners in the fight against terrorism, and will continue to vigorously defend the Dallas Division’s territory."
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham echoed this sentiment, stating, "This Office depends on the critical work of the JTTF in keeping Americans safe. We applaud the JTTF’s decades of significant efforts in partnership with the USAO-NDTX."
The FBI's JTTF concept originated in 1979 with a joint effort between the New York Police Department and the FBI to combat violent bank robberies, with the first terrorism-focused JTTF launching in New York in April 1980 amidst a rise in terrorist violence. Following the 9/11 attacks, the FBI mandated the establishment of JTTFs in all field offices and created the National Joint Terrorism Task Force (NJTTF) in 2002 to support local efforts.
The North Texas JTTF has been involved in several notable counter-terrorism investigations, including:
- Hosam Maher Husein Smadi: Sentenced to 24 years for his 2009 attempted bombing of a downtown Dallas skyscraper.
- Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari: Sentenced to life in prison in 2011 for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction after purchasing bomb-making materials and researching potential targets.
- Omer Kuzu: Pleaded guilty in 2020 to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS after being captured in Syria and returned to the U.S.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.
