DHS initiates internal review addressing threat of domestic violent extremism

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated an internal review to identify, address, and prevent the threat of domestic violent extremism.

“Domestic violent extremism poses the most lethal and persistent terrorism-related threat to our country today,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “As we work to safeguard our nation, we must be vigilant in our efforts to identify and combat domestic violent extremism within both the broader community and our own organization. Hateful acts and violent extremism will not be tolerated within our Department.”

Authorities indicated a cross-departmental working group made up of senior officials would immediately begin reviewing how to best prevent, detect, and respond to threats related to domestic violent extremism within the DHS.

Additionally, the team led by the Department’s Chief Security Officer would be responsible for producing a report with recommendations for the Secretary on how to best identify and respond to threats related to domestic violent extremism, including racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism.

In January 2021, DHS issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin in the wake of the heightened threat environment, adding the alert served as the first NTAS issued in more than a year.

Mayorkas designated combating domestic violent extremism a National Priority Area in February for the first time in FEMA grant programs, per officials, resulting in state, local, tribal and territorial governments being required to spend at least 7.5 percent, or a minimum of $77 million, of DHS grant awards combating the threat.