PREPARED CITIZEN INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
July 4, 2025 | 0808 CDT
Today is about the birth of a republic that placed liberty above comfort, and responsibility above ease.
The Fourth of July marks a declaration of intent…not only to break free from tyranny, but to remain free by the work of our own hands (it’s up to us). Preparedness isn’t paranoia. In a sense…it’s our duty…it’s stewardship. It’s the quiet decision of citizens who refuse to outsource their safety, faith, or future.
So enjoy the cookouts and the time with family and friends.
This country is still worth defending.
Also..for those thinking beyond fireworks and flags…these two recent write-ups cover real-world threats and how to prepare:
The Overseas and Domestic Go-Bag
Hammer Attack on German Train Mirrors U.S. Threats
Now on to today’s brief…
1. Domestic Security & Civil Unrest
No major protests, unrest, or active shooter incidents reported in the past 24 hours.
Notable event:
Glendale, CA – Seven individuals tied to a South American crime ring were charged following a $1 million rooftop jewelry heist. Authorities say the crew used signal jammers and cut emergency lines during a second attempted break-in. Each faces felony burglary, theft, and utility tampering charges.
2. Infrastructure & Grid Alerts
Southern California – Power outage affected ~5,000 customers following a substation failure.
Northeast US– Outage reports spiked for a major cloud provider. No formal explanation released.
Cybersecurity – CISA issued an alert for a phishing campaign targeting U.S. government agencies. No confirmed breaches yet.
Midwest – Ransomware attack disrupted a hospital network’s patient records. Investigation ongoing.
3. Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Central Texas – Flash flooding from heavy rain (3 inches in 6 hours). Emergency responders assisted stranded drivers.
Japan (Offshore) – 5.2 magnitude earthquake. No tsunami threat or damages reported.
4. Border & Immigration
Border operations continue with no major incidents reported in the last 24 hours.
5. Church, Mission, & Civilian Safety
Nigeria – Church property vandalized during a nighttime raid in the north. No injuries reported.
South Asia – Missionaries temporarily relocated after harassment by local groups in a rural area.
6. International Flashpoints
Syria – Missile strike hit a military outpost in the north. 3 reported casualties. Source of strike unconfirmed.
Russia-Ukraine – Drone attack damaged a Russian supply depot near Donetsk. Increased troop movement near the border, no direct clashes reported.
South China Sea – Close encounters between Chinese and Philippine naval vessels. No hostilities.
Colombia – Navy seized a narco-sub equipped with Starlink off the Caribbean coast. Believed to be a cartel test run.
7. Signals to Monitor
Increased lone wolf threat alerts for July 4 gatherings across major U.S. cities
Chinese-Philippine tensions rising in South China Sea
Automated drug subs may signal a new trafficking method
Midwest healthcare networks vulnerable to ransomware disruptions
Colombian cartels integrating Starlink into narco-sub designs
8. Preparedness Action Items
Review local July 4 event safety plans; remain alert in crowded areas
Back up digital medical and financial records in case of cyber disruptions
Store 3–5 gallons of potable water if in flood- or outage-prone areas
Check flashlights and charge all radios and devices before evening
9. Preparedness Focus of the Day
Build redundancy into your comms.
Radios, signal mirrors, flares, and backup phone chargers each have their place. Don’t rely solely on cell service in a crisis.
Analyst Insight
While the Fourth of July brings celebration, it also brings increased threat potential. Security briefings point to lone actors, while infrastructure vulnerabilities continue to surface…from ransomware in hospitals to organized crime disabling emergency services. The week’s emerging pattern: decentralized threats requiring decentralized resilience.
Stay safe. Be dangerous.