What defines domestic terrorism according to U.S. law?

Domestic terrorism is defined as activities that involve the commission of violent acts within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. This includes incidents where individuals or groups engage in violent acts to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy, or affect the conduct of government through intimidation or coercion. The significant aspect of this definition is the emphasis on the location of the acts; they must occur within U.S. territory to be classified as domestic terrorism.

This definition distinguishes domestic terrorism from international terrorism, which typically involves operations that take place outside the U.S. or are primarily conducted by individuals or organizations based in another country. Furthermore, while motivations behind acts of terrorism can vary, what is central to defining domestic terrorism is the act's geographical context rather than the nationality of the perpetrators or the specific ideology driving their actions.