"Unprecedented cooperation" between all levels of government to deter attacks in U.S., expert says

CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd, a former assistant secretary for counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security, highlighted unprecedented cooperation among all levels of government across the United States in 2026 to deter potential terrorist attacks, emphasizing enhanced intelligence sharing as a critical component of national security strategy. Vinograd, who brings extensive experience from her previous role at DHS, explained that this coordinated approach represents a significant shift from previous siloed efforts between federal, state, and local agencies in preventing domestic threats. The expert noted that recent global security challenges have necessitated this comprehensive framework for information exchange and collaborative threat assessment. According to Vinograd, the multi-layered defense strategy incorporates cutting-edge technology, improved communication protocols, and cross-jurisdictional task forces designed to identify and neutralize potential threats before they materialize. This initiative comes amid heightened concerns about both foreign-inspired and homegrown extremist activities, with officials increasingly recognizing that effective counterterrorism requires seamless coordination across all government entities responsible for public safety.