AHA & Health-ISAC Issue Bulletin on Viral Tweet About Possible Terror Threat To Hospitals
On March 18, 2025, a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) caught the attention of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health-ISAC), prompting them to issue a joint threat bulletin. The post, made by user @AXactual, claimed that ISIS-K, a division of the Islamic State, was planning coordinated attacks on healthcare facilities across multiple U.S. cities in the coming weeks.
AHA and Health-ISAC Joint Bulletin
The joint bulletin states the following,
"On March 18, 2025, the American Hospital Association (@ahahospitals) and Health-ISAC observed a social media post related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on hospitals in the coming weeks.
The AHA and Health-ISAC have created and are sharing this bulletin out of an abundance of caution to spread awareness of the potential threat. The AHA and Health-ISAC are in close contact with the FBI regarding the threat and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
At this time, no information is available to either corroborate or discount this threat’s credibility. Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks. However, this widely viewed post may encourage others to engage in malicious activity directed toward the health sector, so threats of this nature should be taken seriously. Security teams should review emergency management plans and spread awareness of the potential threat internally.
It is recommended that organizations review and evaluate the coordination and capabilities of physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management plans. Also, increasing relationships with local and federal law enforcement may streamline response efforts during an attack.
In addition, staff and security teams should remain vigilant for any suspicious activity, as well as people or vehicles on organizational premises or in the vicinity of health sector facilities. If any are identified, it is advised to notify local law enforcement immediately."
Source: X @healthISAC
Alleged Attack Plans and Targets
According to the social media post, the potential attacks are said to involve a combination of Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), followed by armed assaults and hostage scenarios. The alleged plan appears to target mid-tier cities with healthcare facilities that have lower security measures in place, potentially making them more vulnerable to such attacks.
While the credibility of this threat remains unverified, the AHA and Health-ISAC have chosen to share this information out of an abundance of caution. They state that they are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to gather more information and assess the validity of the threat.
Healthcare Sector Response and Preparedness Measures
They are advising healthcare organizations across the United States to take several precautionary measures:
- Review and evaluate existing physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management plans.
- Strengthen relationships with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Increase vigilance for any suspicious activity, individuals, or vehicles near health sector facilities.
Some healthcare institutions have already taken action in response to the threat. The University of Kentucky, MU Health Care, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (representing 90 hospitals in the region) have increased security measures as a precautionary step.
Challenges in Verifying the Threat
As the joint bulletin points out, it's important to note that foreign terrorist groups typically do not publicize their upcoming attacks, which adds a layer of complexity to verifying the credibility of this threat. However, authorities are taking this situation seriously due to its potential to inspire malicious activity towards the health sector, regardless of whether the original threat is genuine or not.
The AHA and Health-ISAC say in the bulletin that they are actively monitoring the situation and have promised to provide additional information as it becomes available. This ongoing communication is crucial for keeping healthcare organizations informed and prepared.
Implications for Healthcare Workers and Patients
While the focus of the threat is on healthcare facilities, it's important to consider the potential impact on healthcare workers and patients.
Although the credibility of the threat has not been confirmed, the AHA and Health-ISAC are treating the situation with appropriate caution as authorities continue their investigation.
Join The Discussion
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