WASHINGTON (AP) – The Department of Homeland Security issued a national terrorism bulletin Wednesday, warning of the potential for persistent violence by people motivated by anti-government sentiment following the election of President Joe Biden, suggesting the January 6 revolt at the Capitol. it can encourage extremists and prepare the ground for additional attacks.
The department did not cite a specific threat, but noted “a higher threat environment across the United States” that it believes will “persist” for weeks after Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
It is not uncommon for the federal government to warn local law enforcement through bulletins about the possibility of violence related to a specific date or event, such as July 4th.
But this particular bulletin, issued through the department’s national anti-terrorism advisory system, is notable because it effectively places the Biden administration in the politically charged debate on how to describe or characterize ideologically motivated acts. politics and suggests that he sees violence destined to overthrow terrorism-like elections.
The wording of the document suggests that national security officials see a common thread between the recent violence of the last year motivated by anti-government grievances, whether by COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results and the use of force to part of the police. It also highlights racially motivated acts of violence, such as the 2019 riot targeting Hispanics in Texas, as well as the threat posed by extremists motivated by foreign terrorist organizations.
“The information suggests that some ideologically motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence,” he said. the newsletter.
He did not mention any ideological or political affiliation, although he noted the potential for violence of “a wide range of actors with ideological motivation.”
The alert comes at a time of tension following riots in the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump seeking to overthrow the presidential election. DHS also noted violent riots in the “last few days,” an apparent reference to events in Portland, Oregon, related to anarchist groups.
The alert was issued by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske. Biden’s cabinet candidate, Alejandro Mayorkas, has not been confirmed by the Senate.
Two former national security secretaries, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, asked the Senate to confirm Mayorkas so he could begin working with the FBI and other agencies and address the threat posed by national extremists, among other issues.
Chertoff, who served as President George W. Bush, said in a conference call with reporters that far-right internal attacks are not new, but that the deaths attributed to them in recent years to The US has surpassed those linked to jihadists such as al-Qaeda. “We have to be honest and face what the real risk is,” he said.
Federal authorities have charged more than 150 people during the siege of the Capitol, including some related to right-wing extremist groups such as the Three Percent and Guardians of the Oath.
The Justice Department announced charges Wednesday against Ian Rogers, 43, a California man found with five pipe bombs during a search of his business this month and who had in his vehicle a sticker associated with the Three Percentages. His lawyer told his hometown newspaper, The Napa Valley Register, that he is a “highly respected small business owner, father and family man” who does not belong to any violent organization.