DHS awards $10M for terrorism, targeted violence prevention

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $10 million for projects that support the development of a nationwide Terrorism and Targeted Violence Prevention (TVTP) Framework.

The grants were made through the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program and went to 29 different projects. It is the only federal grant program focused on prevention capabilities in local communities.

“With these grants, DHS has prioritized programs aimed at improving communities’ ability to prevent individuals from mobilizing or radicalizing to violence. These programs will create or enhance locally-based prevention frameworks to address these emerging threats,” Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said. “DHS stands in absolute opposition to violent extremism, no matter its motivation or form. We will continue our constant efforts to combat all forms of domestic terror.”

The selected projects address a wide range of violent ideologies and mobilization factors that lead to targeted violence. They cover many aspects of prevention, including building resilience, intervention, recidivism prevention, and reintegration programs at the local level.

DHS evaluated 95 eligible applicants based on selection criteria, prioritization of grant program objective, among other factors. The grants come at a time when DHS is observing an uptick in online efforts for terrorism recruitment and radicalization from a variety of sectors.

The full list of grant award winners can be found at https://www.dhs.gov/tvtpgrants.