New York, NY, July 28, 2009 … The indictment of seven North Carolina men conspiring to wage "violent jihad" overseas, is part of a growing domestic terror threat posed by American Muslim extremists, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

An increasing number of American Muslim extremists have become involved in terrorist plots and conspiracies since the September 11 attacks.  Approximately 100 such individuals have been arrested on various terror-related charges since 9/11, ranging from bombing plots to providing material support to terrorists.  More than half of them are U.S. born, while about one-third are converts to Islam.

"The recent arrests in North Carolina represent only the latest example of a growing domestic terror threat from American Muslim extremists," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "An alarming number of post-9/11 plots and conspiracies have involved or been led by American Muslim extremists.  It is a troubling reminder of the broader problem of increased radicalization among a small subset of the domestic Muslim population."

The League has posted on its Web site further details about the North Carolina conspiracy, as well as a list of American Muslim extremists charged, convicted or sentenced on terror-related charges in 2009.  ADL also recently reported on the increasing number of American Muslim extremists involved in plots targeting Jews or Jewish institutions since 9/11.

"Many of these extremists are fueled by hatred of Jews, Israel and America, and have been influenced, to some degree, by the ideologies of extreme intolerance propagated by terrorist movements overseas," Mr. Foxman added.