David Pekoske, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners. There is currently a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks. DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days. DHS says they remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to incite or commit violence.
Anti-government extremists known as sovereign citizens present many domestic threats. Read on to learn more about this homeland security threat, along with key issues security leaders and law enforcement should consider exploring to combat the risks.
The Department of Justice announced that six men have been arrested and charged federally with conspiring to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer. According to a complaint, this group used operational security measures, including communicating by encrypted messaging platforms and used code words and phrases in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement.
The New York Police Department has formed the Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism (R.E.M.E) unit within the department’s intelligence division to fight homegrown far right extremism, domestic terrorism and organized hate groups.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced legislation – The Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act – that would create a federal domestic terrorism crime.
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) released a discussion draft of legislation to add specific punishments for acts of domestic terrorism and provide federal law enforcement with new charging options.
