Homeland Security Issues Terrorism Alert Warning

The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin due to the threat of domestic terrorism from "ideologically-motivated violent extremists."

"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," the agency wrote in the bulletin.

DHS said the "domestic violent extremists" (DVEs) were motivated by a variety of issues, including "false narratives" about the results of the 2020 presidential election the coronavirus lockdowns, police use of force, and "long-standing racial and ethnic tension."

"DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021, and some DVEs may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities."

DHS pointed to an increased number of violent threats made against "critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors" by "violent extremists" who believe in "conspiracy theories about COVID-19."

"DHS encourages state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners to continue prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect people and critical infrastructure."

The National Terrorism Advisory System was created in 2011 to replace the color-coded alert system that was implemented after 9/11.

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