Rep. Ratcliffe Demands Answers From Administration on ISIS' Use of Social Media

Press Release

In a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, U.S. Representative John Ratcliffe (R-Heath) questioned administration officials and terrorism experts about The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and their use of social media to recruit foreign fighters and spread propaganda and terror to a western audience.

"After the attacks in Garland, which resulted in the death of two terrorists, we are presented with a unique challenge. Even though these men were not successful, ISIS still spins this failed attempt as a win," said Ratcliffe.

"ISIS has been encouraging lone wolf attacks with great effect within just a matter of the last few months. Their sophisticated use of social media has become a terrorism multiplier, where these terrorists can use the ISIS brand without joining the group. They have created a terror franchise," Ratcliffe added.

Administration officials agreed with U.S. Rep. Ratcliffe's assessment. However, U.S. Rep. Ratcliffe urged officials that, in addition to traditional military operations, serious effort should be taken to counter ISIS' message and make it a "losing brand" throughout the rest of the world.

Ratcliffe is a former U.S. Attorney and federal terrorism prosecutor. When serving by special appointment on United States v. Holy Land Foundation, his successful prosecution put individuals in prison who were funneling money to terrorist group Hamas under the guise of a charitable organization. He was recently appointed as a member of the House Homeland Security Committee Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel. To see a video of the hearing, visit http://bit.ly/ISISsocialmedia

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