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WASHINGTON (AP) – Department of Homeland Security released national newsletter on terrorism Warning of the potential for continued violence from those motivated by anti-government sentiment following the election of President Joe Biden on Wednesday, suggesting the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill can embolden extremists and pave the way for further attacks.
The department did not cite a specific threat, but pointed to “an environment of heightened threat across the United States” that it says will “persist” for weeks after Biden’s inauguration on January 20.
It is not uncommon for the federal government to warn local law enforcement through bulletins of the prospect of violence related to a particular date or event, such as July 4.
But this particular bulletin, published through the department’s National Terrorism Advisory System, is notable because it effectively places the Biden administration in the politically charged debate over how to describe or characterize acts motivated by political ideology and suggests that he sees the violence to overthrow the election as terrorism.
The wording of the document suggests that national security officials see a common thread between recent violence last year motivated by anti-government grievances, whether over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and the use of force by the police. It also identifies racially motivated acts of violence such as the 2019 rampage against Hispanics in Texas, as well as the threat posed by extremists motivated by foreign terrorist organizations.
“Reports suggest that some ideologically motivated violent extremists opposed to the exercise of government authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, may continue to rally to incite or commit violence, ”the bulletin said.
He made no mention of any ideological or political affiliation, while noting the potential for violence from “a wide range of ideologically motivated actors”.
The alert comes at a tense moment after the riot on Capitol Hill by supporters of then-President Donald Trump seeking to overthrow the presidential election. DHS also noted violent riots in the “past few days,” an apparent reference to events in Portland, Oregon, linked to anarchist groups.
The alert was issued by Acting Homeland Security Secretary David Pekoske. Biden’s cabinet candidate, Alejandro Mayorkas, has not been confirmed by the Senate.
Two former Homeland Security Secretaries, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, called on the Senate to confirm Mayorkas so that he can begin working with the FBI and other agencies and deal with the threat posed by domestic extremists, between other.
Chertoff, who served under President George W. Bush, said on a conference call with reporters that far-right and domestic extremist attacks are not new but the deaths attributed to them are recent. years in the United States have surpassed those linked to jihadists such as al-Qaida. “We have to be frank and face the real risk,” he said.
Federal authorities charged more than 150 people during the siege on Capitol Hill, some linked to right-wing extremist groups such as the Three Percenters and Oath Keepers.
The Justice Department announced charges On Wednesday against Ian Rogers, 43, a Californian man found with five homemade bombs during a search of his business this month and who had a sticker associated with the Three Percentages on his vehicle. His lawyer told his hometown newspaper The Napa Valley Register that he was “a highly respected small business owner, father and father” who did not belong to any violent organization.
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