By Steve Neavling
The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about the potential for violence as the 2024 election cycle nears, saying domestic extremists and foreign terrorist organizations pose a “heightened” risk.
The National Terrorism Advisory System warned that extremists could target critical infrastructure, government buildings, faith-based institutions, and minority communities.
“In the coming months, DHS expects the threat environment to remain heightened and that individuals may be motivated to violence by perceptions of the 2024 general election cycle,” the National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin said.
The bulletin also warned that “legislative or judicial decisions pertaining to sociopolitical issues” may also motivate attackers.
The new bulletin cites recent incidents and social media posts.
“Recent tragic events highlight the continued heightened threat environment our nation faces, and these threats are driven by violent extremists who seek to further their ideological beliefs and personal grievances,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “We are working with partners across every level of government, within the private sector, and in local communities to keep Americans safe. We will continue to share information and intelligence, equip communities with training and resources, and fund security enhancement and prevention efforts through millions of dollars in grant funding.”
Since the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security has issued eight bulletins about the potential for violence.
