In a terrorism advisory bulletin, the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday raised concerns about potential threats to LGBTQ, Jewish and migrant communities from violent extremists inside the United States.
Americans motivated by violent ideologies pose a «persistent and lethal threat,» a senior DHS official told reporters at a newsletter briefing. Federal government intelligence officials have consistently highlighted the growing threat from American extremists in recent years, while explaining that foreign threats such as the Islamic State terror group and al Qaeda are no longer as persistent as they once were.
The bulletin was the most recent summary of domestic terrorism threats, a document that has been updated approximately every six months since the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Some extremists have been inspired by recent attacks, including the shooting at the LGBTQ bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the bulletin said.
The report also highlighted a «lasting threat» to the Jewish community.
Asked if recent anti-Semitic comments by Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, contributed to increased threats to the Jewish people, a senior DHS official said that any high-profile official or celebrity peddling conspiracy theories is only good to ignite violence among extremists.
“Certainly the Jewish community seems particularly targeted in recent days for that kind of activity in our discourse,” the official said.
The bulletin also said that “potential changes in border control policy, an increase in non-citizens attempting to enter the US, or other immigration-related developments” may increase calls for violence.
Pursuant to a court order, DHS is preparing to lift the Covid restrictions known as Title 42 on December 21, which will allow many more immigrants to enter the US to apply for asylum.
The previous National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin issued by DHS in June raised concerns about possible violence surrounding the November midterm elections.
Wednesday’s notice said such violence was «isolated.» But he said DHS «noted the general calls for violence against elected officials, candidates and drop box locations,» specifically mentioning the attack on the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.