NCJ Number
77301
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report, which is part of a 1978 assessment of organized crime in California, focuses on terrorist organizations.
Abstract
During 1978, the number of terrorist acts and terrorist groups active in the State dropped to the lowest level since 1973. However, among terrorist activities were the takeover of the West German Consulate in Chicago by California-based Croatian terrorists, several suspected terrorist-related robberies, and a number of other lesser criminal activities. Significant numbers of terrorist groups were reported conducting paramilitary training throughout the State including anti-Castro Cubans in the Southern California desert and in the central coast area and suspected members of a Croatian terrorist group in isolated areas of Lake and Mendocino counties. The most serious development has been the large number of meetings and contacts between international and California terrorists. In 1978, California terrorists met with members of the West German Red Army Faction, the Italian Red Brigades, the Mexican 23rd of September Communist League, and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The purposes of the meetings may have been to cement closer relationships for more concerted efforts and to compare notes on tactics and techniques. Law enforcement efforts led to the arresting of five members of the Revolutionary Committee of the Weather Underground Organization, three major leaders of the George Jackson Brigade, and members of the Fuerzas Armadas Liberaccion Nacional de Puertorrequino (FALN). Terrorist groups are expected to continue to exist and operate in the State.