The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin this week, citing a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks.
The acting DHS secretary issued the bulletin after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement. DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot. However, DHS officials said violent riots have occurred in recent days. “We 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,” DHS officials said in the bulletin.
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, 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,” Thompson said. “DHS was formed in the wake of another serious terrorist attack – 9/11 – and was charged with preventing a similar attack from happening and keeping the American people safe. A part of that job involves equipping citizens with information.”
Thompson said that he hopes this is the first step of many to rein in violent domestic terrorists.
“In this heightened threat environment, the Senate must move quickly to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security. I look forward to working with him once he is confirmed to tackle this and the many other challenges facing the homeland,” Thompson said.