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Podcasts Take Two
The public's role in fast-evolving terrorism probes
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Sep 19, 2016
Listen • 8:32
The public's role in fast-evolving terrorism probes
In an era of fast-moving events, the public's role in identifying and solving attacks is emerging as a key asset to terrorism investigations.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: FBI agents review the crime scene of remnants of bomb debris on 23rd St. in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood on September 18, 2016 in New York City. An explosion that injured 29 people that went off in a construction dumpster is being labeled an "intentional act". A second device, a pressure cooker, was found four blocks away that an early investigation found was likely also a bomb. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: FBI agents review the crime scene of remnants of bomb debris on 23rd St. in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood on September 18, 2016 in New York City. An explosion that injured 29 people that went off in a construction dumpster is being labeled an "intentional act". A second device, a pressure cooker, was found four blocks away that an early investigation found was likely also a bomb. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
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Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
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In an era of fast-moving events, the public's role in identifying and solving attacks is emerging as a key asset to terrorism investigations.

In an era of fast-moving events, the public's role in identifying and solving attacks is emerging as a key asset to domestic terrorism investigations.

"The public is the best piece of fabric we have in our security apparatus in this country," said Erroll Southers, director at USC's Homegrown Violent Extremism Studies. That was in evidence this past weekend after the explosions in New York and New Jersey, he added.

"The 'See Something, Say Something' mantra, which has been around for several years now, actually worked this weekend," said Southers.

Authorities on Monday morning said that 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami was arrested following a gun battle with police in Linden, New Jersey. Officials say video from cameras in Manhattan show Rahami planting bombs in the Chelsea neighborhood. The suspect is described as a naturalized American who was born in Afghanistan.