On Thursday of this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of the release of a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin from the Dept. of Homeland Security warning of a heightened threat environment across the United States from what are referred to as ideologically-motivated violent extremists and Domestic Violent Extremists.
Quoting from the Bulletin:
“Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence."
Domestic violent extremists (DVEs), ranging from those motivated by issues including “anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force” have “targeted individuals with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity” and “have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities."
The bulletin goes on to say that...
“Long-standing racial and ethnic tension — including opposition to immigration — has driven Domestic Violent Extremists attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas, that killed 23 people. DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some extremists may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.”
DHS also also warns that "Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020 remain a threat.” Also in 2020, violent extremists increased “threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors.”
The current version of the bulletin expires on April 30th, though this is highly likely to be extended.
AlertsUSA cautions readers that while this bulletin is clearly written with a political slant, this does not change the fact that there are many angry people in the country spanning every conceivable political leaning. Leftist groups continue with violent protests in cities such as Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. On the right, anger is building over what is clearly an election riddled with fraud, as well as the extreme overreach by the new administration and Congress. The net result is a volatile situation that is likely to boil over in the weeks and months ahead.
Caution and vigilance are urged. Keep a finger on the pulse of what is happening in your community, particularly if you live in large metro areas, and have an emergency plan in place with your family. Significant pressure will be put on state legislatures in the coming year to tighten up election laws prior to the midterms. As such, cities serving as state capitals are likely to be some of the primary locations for civil unrest.
In related news:
Customs and Border Protection confirmed on Wednesday that construction of the security wall along the southern border has been suspended following Joe Biden's signing of an executive order halting Donald Trump’s signature border security project. In an ironic twist, despite America being told for the last four years that walls don't work, on Thursday of this week, at the request of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the acting US Capitol Police chief announced a review of the Complex's physical security infrastructure:
Quoting Chief Pittman:
".... vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made.... to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready, back-up forces in close proximity to the Capitol."
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.
