Who is the lead prosecutor of terrorist acts or threats?

The Attorney General (AG) serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government and has the primary responsibility for overseeing the prosecution of federal crimes, which include terrorist acts or threats. This position allows the AG to lead initiatives and coordinate resources across various agencies to effectively tackle incidents of terrorism. The AG provides guidance to U.S. Attorneys, who handle prosecutions in their respective districts, ensuring that cases involving terrorism are prosecuted effectively and efficiently at the federal level.

In contrast, the Secretary of Defense typically focuses on military operations and national defense rather than law enforcement and prosecution. The Chief Justice, while pivotal in the judicial system, does not lead prosecutions; their role is confined to overseeing the Supreme Court. The Director of National Intelligence manages the United States' intelligence community and focuses on gathering and analyzing information related to national security threats, rather than directly prosecuting criminal activities. This delineation of roles and responsibilities highlights why the Attorney General is the appropriate choice for leading prosecutions related to terrorist acts or threats.