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By William Tauro

A chilling roster of terrorists who studied at U.S. universities underscores ongoing debates about national security and higher education policies. As President Trump escalates actions against Harvard University— including a May 2025 ban on enrolling international students and freezing over $2 billion in federal grants—these cases highlight potential vulnerabilities in student visa and admission processes.

Critics argue the moves target alleged antisemitism and DEI programs, but supporters see them as vital to prevent radicalization on American soil.

By July 2025, the administration has also issued subpoenas for student data and threatened Harvard’s accreditation, intensifying scrutiny amid global tensions.

The list below reveals how individuals, many foreign-born, leveraged U.S. education before perpetrating or inspiring attacks:

• Anwar al-Awlaki (Yemeni-American, al-Qaeda leader): Attended Colorado State University (1991–1994, B.S. civil engineering) and San Diego State University (master’s). Inspired attacks like Fort Hood (2009), underwear bomber (2009), Times Square attempt (2010), and Boston Marathon (2013).

• Sayyid Qutb (Egyptian, Islamist ideologue): Studied at Colorado State Teachers College (1949). His ideology influenced al-Qaeda and 9/11, causing nearly 3,000 deaths and trillions in damage.

• Faisal Shahzad (Pakistani-American, Taliban-affiliated): University of Bridgeport (2000–2005, B.S. computer science, MBA). Attempted 2010 Times Square bombing.

• Ted Kaczynski (American, Unabomber): Harvard University (1958–1962, B.A. mathematics). 17-year bombing campaign killed 3, injured 23.

• Aafia Siddiqui (Pakistani, al-Qaeda operative): MIT (undergrad) and Brandeis University (Ph.D.). Convicted for attempting to murder U.S. personnel (2008).

• Tamerlan Tsarnaev (Chechen-American): Bunker Hill Community College (2006, three semesters). Co-perpetrated 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

• Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (Chechen-American): University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Involved in Boston bombing.
• Rezwan Ferdaus (American, al-Qaeda supporter): Northeastern University (2008, B.S. physics). Plotted 2011 drone attacks on Pentagon/Capitol.

• Nawaf al-Hazmi (Saudi, 9/11 hijacker): San Diego Community College (2000, English). On Flight 77, crashed into Pentagon.

• Khalid al-Mihdhar (Saudi, 9/11 hijacker): San Diego Community College (2000, English). Involved in Pentagon attack.

• Hani Hanjour (Saudi, 9/11 hijacker): University of Arizona (1991, English) and Holy Names College (1991). Piloted Flight 77.

These examples, including Harvard alum Kaczynski, illustrate risks from both domestic and international students. Trump’s Harvard-specific policies may stem from fears that lax vetting enables such threats, echoing broader calls for stricter foreign funding disclosures and security measures. While the administration cites antisemitism, the international student ban could address radicalization concerns amplified by these historical cases.
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Public Opinion Survey: Terrorism, U.S. Education, and Trump’s Harvard Actions

Share your views on these terrorist cases and President Trump’s policies against Harvard.

1. On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not concerned, 5 = Extremely concerned), how worried are you about security risks from students at U.S. universities based on these findings?

2. Do these cases of terrorists educated in the U.S. highlight potential flaws in university admission and visa policies?
• Yes
• No
• Unsure

3. Do these findings align with possible concerns driving President Trump’s actions against Harvard and other colleges (e.g., foreign student bans and funding freezes)?
• Strongly align
• Somewhat align
• Do not align
• Unsure

4. Do you think President Trump’s policies against Harvard University, such as barring foreign students, will make America safer?
• Yes, definitely
• Yes, somewhat
• No
• Unsure

5. What additional steps, if any, should the U.S. take to balance educational opportunities with national security? (Open-ended)