Flag, Fire, and Fury: Anti-Government Rage Fuels Federal Building Attack in Massachusetts
Executive Summary
A 26-year-old woman, Jennifer Padilla, is facing charges including attempted arson and assault after allegedly trying to ignite an American flag and drive her SUV into the Hastings Keith Federal Building in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The attack, which took place in broad daylight and left one security guard lightly injured, underscores the rising trend of anti-government and ideologically driven violence within the U.S. Though there is no confirmed motive at this time, the incident aligns with data showing a significant rise in domestic terrorism motivated by political grievance, distrust in institutions, and radicalization—often with no formal group affiliation. Security officials warn this type of lone-actor violence represents a growing national threat.
Analysis
According to police and court documents, Padilla attempted to enter the federal building with a U.S. flag doused in gasoline, which she tried to set alight. After security guards intervened, she allegedly rammed her vehicle into the entrance, striking a guard but causing only minor injuries and property damage. The attack triggered a lockdown and brought immediate response from local and federal authorities. Padilla has pleaded not guilty and is being held pending a dangerousness hearing.
While the case may appear isolated, it fits a troubling national pattern. As the CSIS’s recent analysis shows, domestic terrorist attacks and plots against government targets have surged in recent years, with a threefold increase since 2016. Most of these are motivated not by allegiance to any militant organization but by radical political ideologies or generalized anti-government sentiments—trends driven by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and increasing polarization.
In particular, since 2016, a shift has occurred from attacks carried out by organized militia groups to those committed by radicalized individuals with loosely held beliefs. These “salad-bar extremists” often act alone, inspired by a mix of political grievances and personal instability. As noted in recent reports, their actions frequently center on symbolic locations or figures of federal authority—courthouses, government buildings, or elections infrastructure.
This year alone has seen increased scrutiny of lone-actor attacks tied to anti-government rage, ranging from acts of arson and vehicle ramming to assassination attempts. The attempted breach in New Bedford occurred just weeks after reports surfaced about the rising frequency and evolving nature of these threats. Experts emphasize that while many of these attacks are not highly lethal, they serve as psychological warfare, intended to undermine institutional trust and instill fear.
Padilla’s case has not been linked to any broader movement or ideology yet. However, the symbolism of her actions—burning the flag and attacking a federal site—aligns with what experts call “performative violence”: actions staged for their emotional and political impact, even if operationally ineffective.
Officials like New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and federal security experts say the incident reaffirms the need to harden public infrastructure and enhance local threat assessment protocols. Nationally, experts advocate for better digital monitoring, cross-agency intelligence sharing, and enhanced community resilience programs to intercept the path from grievance to violence.
