Attacks Linked to Iran War Raise Fears of Domestic Violence

Several incidents, including an attack on a synagogue in Michigan, a shooting in Virginia, and a thwarted explosives attack in New York, may be connected to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:03am

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In the two weeks since the U.S. began military strikes against Iran, several violent incidents have occurred across the country that may be linked to the war. These include an attack on a bar in Texas, a failed bombing attempt in New York, a shooting at an ROTC facility in Virginia, and a car attack on a synagogue in Michigan. While the motives are still being investigated, experts warn that the war with Iran could inspire 'lone offender' attacks by individuals with a range of personal and political grievances.

Why it matters

The recent attacks underscore the diffuse and unpredictable nature of the domestic threat posed by the Iran war, as well as the challenges facing law enforcement in monitoring and disrupting potential plots. With counterterrorism resources diverted to immigration enforcement and low morale among national security officials, there are concerns that the U.S. may be ill-prepared to handle a potential escalation of violence inspired by the conflict.

The details

The incidents include a man wearing an Iran flag shirt killing 3 and injuring over a dozen in Texas, 2 teenagers from Pennsylvania trying to set off an explosive device at a protest in New York, a former National Guard member killing an ROTC instructor and wounding 2 students in Virginia, and a man plowing a car into a synagogue and killing himself in a shootout with security in Michigan. While the motives differ, experts warn that 'lone offender' attacks by individuals with personal and political grievances are a growing concern as the war with Iran continues.

  • Within 24 hours of the first strikes on Iran, the attack in Texas occurred.
  • A week later, the failed bombing attempt took place in New York.
  • On Thursday, the shooting in Virginia and the attack on the synagogue in Michigan happened within less than 2 hours of each other.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who has boasted about the death, destruction, and retribution the U.S. has brought to Iran.

Javed Ali

A former senior U.S. counterterrorism official who now teaches at the University of Michigan, and who warns that 'lone offender' attacks are a growing concern as the war continues.

Alex Plitsas

An expert on terrorism at the Atlantic Council and former Pentagon official, who says Iran has a history of plots in the U.S. and has become 'incredibly emboldened' in recent years.

Daniel Byman

The director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats and Terrorism Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who says individuals may align with Iran 'to make a name for themselves' despite ideological differences.

Robert Pape

A professor of political science at the University of Chicago who has studied political violence, and who argues that rising support for political violence is highly correlated with increasing antisemitism.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't know anything about them and no one's reported them and they're not a subject of a prior investigation, how are you supposed to find those people?”

— Javed Ali, former senior U.S. counterterrorism official (New York Times)

“They have become incredibly emboldened in recent years, and it's clear they have less fear of trying to operate on U.S. soil. And if the regime is near collapse and they see an existential threat and the current tactics that they are using for retaliation aren't working, the fear is that they could escalate to something along those lines.”

— Alex Plitsas, expert on terrorism at the Atlantic Council and former Pentagon official (New York Times)

“People want the motive, because once they get the motive, they say, 'Well, that doesn't apply to me. I'm safe.' That's not the world of political violence we're in anymore.”

— Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the man who attacked the synagogue in Michigan will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This series of attacks linked to the Iran war highlights the growing threat of 'lone offender' violence inspired by personal and political grievances, as well as the challenges facing law enforcement in monitoring and disrupting potential plots. With counterterrorism resources diverted and low morale among officials, there are concerns the U.S. may be ill-prepared to handle an escalation of such violence.