The lead investigating agency during a terrorist attack is the:

• A. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
• B. Federal Emergency Management Agency
• C. U.S. Fire Administration
• D. Federal Bureau of Investigation

Answer: (D)

In a terrorist attack, the investigative lead is the FBI because terrorism crimes fall under federal jurisdiction and the FBI has specialized counterterrorism resources, field offices, and Joint Terrorism Task Forces to coordinate the investigation, gather evidence, analyze intelligence, and work with federal prosecutors. Other agencies serve different roles: FEMA handles emergency management and recovery, ATF deals with firearms and explosives within certain federal mandates but is not the standard lead for terrorism investigations, and the U.S. Fire Administration focuses on fire safety and training rather than leading investigations. The FBI provides the central, coordinated investigative effort needed to identify suspects, establish motives, and pursue prosecution.