Washington, July 26 (ANI): The Head of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) has said that even as Al Qaeda probably isn't as capable as it once was, terrorists now are focused on carrying out smaller and simpler plots against the United States.

The New York Post quoted NCTC Director Matthew G. Olsen, as telling Congress that U.S. authorities also are worried about homegrown violent extremists who are influenced by surviving Al Qaeda leaders.

In testimony prepared for a hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday, Olsen said that lone actors or insular groups pose the most serious homegrown threat.

Olsen made no mention of the Colorado movie theater shooting that killed at least 12 people last week, as the motive in that attack is unknown.

The director also told American lawmakers that the NCTC is working with American intelligence officials and British authorities on security issues around the London Olympics. (ANI)