What distinguishes a domestic terrorist from a foreign terrorist?

The distinction between a domestic terrorist and a foreign terrorist primarily revolves around the country of residence. A domestic terrorist is someone who commits violent acts within their own country and is motivated by domestic political, social, or ideological goals, whereas a foreign terrorist typically operates from outside their target country or has foreign affiliations, executing attacks aimed at that target from an international perspective. This classification is essential in understanding the context within which these individuals or groups operate, informing how law enforcement and government agencies respond to and manage threats.

While factors like ideology and motivation may overlap between domestic and foreign terrorists, the defining factor that categorizes an individual as one or the other is their country of residence and the environment from which they launch their activities.