DHS Warns Of ‘Heightened Threat Environment’ From Domestic Violent Extremists

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28 Янв 2021, 03:18

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The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin warning of a continued threat from domestic violent extremists «with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition.»

Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

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Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

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The new bulletin notes that those it calls Domestic Violent Extremists are motivated by a range of issues, «including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force.»

It also states that some violent extremists are driven by «long-standing racial and ethnic tension,» including opposition to immigration, citing the 2019 shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where a gunman killed 23 people.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, commended DHS for issuing the bulletin.

«The domestic terrorism attack on our Capitol earlier this month shined a light on a threat that has been right in front of our faces for years. I am glad to see that DHS fully recognizes the threat posed by violent, right-wing extremists, and is taking efforts to communicate that threat to the American people,» he said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Thompson also urged that the Senate move swiftly to confirm President Biden’s nominee for DHS Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. The bulletin was issued by Acting DHS Secretary David Pekoske.

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FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven D’Antuono said Tuesday that the bureau has identified more than 400 suspects in the breach of the Capitol and assault on law enforcement officers. Of those, the FBI said it had arrested approximately 135.