Terrorism is often a family affair. That's according to the director of the Homeland Security Research Program at Western Illinois University.
Dean Alexander is also the author of the new book Family Terror Networks.
WCBU's Tim Shelley asked Alexander how the networks form and how to combat them ahead of his presentation in Peoria Thursday.
Alexander said familial relationships factored into many well-known terrorist attacks, including 9/11, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and the 2015 San Bernardino, Calif., mass shooting.
Once one family member becomes radicalized through personal relationships or websites, he said they'll often try to pull other family members in. He posits a six-step process on how family terror networks develop.
Sometimes, unindoctrinated family members are able to dissuade their loved one or take steps to prevent them from causing harm.
Alexander will speak about family terror networks at 7 p.m. at the ICC Peoria Campus' Hickory Hall. The event is hosted by the Peoria Area World Affairs Council.
