House Committee on Homeland Security set to hold hearings on domestic terrorism in wake of Charlottesville attack

In response to the recent domestic terrorist attack in Charlottesville, Virginia by a reported white supremacist, 12 Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee sent a public letter on August 15 to Committee Chair U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) urging the committee to hold hearings on domestic terrorism.

The most recent attack occurred on the weekend of Aug. 11, where a “Unite the Right” rally brought together a number of self-identified white supremacists, neo-Nazis and alt-right organizations. Clashes with counter-protesters resulted in the death of a 32-year old Charlottesville-area woman and injuries to 20 others.

“Unfortunately, it has become clear we cannot count on President Trump for action,” the members said in a public letter. “Even before he was elected, many of us were concerned that his unwillingness to denounce and distance himself from white nationalists would be taken as tacit support by those ready to use violence to advance their racist ideology.”

They continued, stating that as leaders of the legislative branch of government, they must stand up to all ideologically-motivated violence and that it was past time for the Committee on Homeland Security to act.

A day after the letter was sent, McCaul announced that the committee will hold a meeting set for September 12 and will convene officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

“I strongly encourage members of both parties to engage the witnesses on the dangers posed by domestic terrorists and other extremist groups,” McCaul said in a response letter. “Racial intolerance deserves no place in America and it is imperative that we find ways to rid our nation of the scourge of white supremacism.”