Domestic terrorists inspired by Trump storm U.S. Capitol on Jan. 26, 2021: Google

By Glynn Wilson –

In a break from the Trump years and a bit of a shock that should have come as no surprise, the new acting Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske ordered a National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin to be issued on Wednesday, warning of a heightened threat of violence from right-wing, racist domestic extremist groups and individuals in the aftermath of the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

While no specific threat was cited by any one group, the alert indicated that the intelligence community believes there is a persistent threat in the wake of the attack on the Capitol and the successful presidential inauguration of President Joe Biden.

“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,” the alert says, “could continue to mobilize (groups or individuals) to incite or commit violence.”

While intelligence reports have long cited the threat from right-wing, anti-government, racist groups as the number one threat of violence in the country, those reports were suppressed by the Trump administration with federal bureaucrats too afraid of making the president mad to put out the warnings.

That would be an extraordinary statement in any other time in American history. But it speaks to the times we live in, when a president acted as a sympathizer to white supremacy and even those who would foment violence against government institutions for four long years. And he was never really called on it by the media in this country even as the idea of a free press was attacked on a daily basis by a president and commander-in-chief.

The alert is set to expire on April 30, but the agency indicated there is a concern that “these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some ‘Domestic Violent Extremists’ may be emboldened by the … breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.”

Concern remains that “Homegrown Violent Extremists inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.”

While there was no mention of a “specific, credible plot,” the alert was categorized as one warning of developing trends in terrorism, rather than a notice of an imminent attack.

But an intelligence official involved in drafting Wednesday’s bulletin said the decision to issue the report was driven by the intelligence community’s conclusion that Biden’s peaceful inauguration last week could create “a false sense of security” because “the intent to engage in violence has not gone away” among extremists angered by the outcome of the presidential election, according to reporting by the New York Times.

Throughout 2020, according to the alert, Domestic Violent Extremists targeted individuals with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity. Groups and individuals with extremest views “motivated by a range of issues, including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force … have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities.”

Threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors, increased in 2020 with violent extremists citing misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 as motivation for their actions.

“Long-standing racial and ethnic tension — including opposition to immigration — has driven … attacks,” the alert indicates, including a shooting in El Paso, Texas in 2019 that killed 23 people.

The warning was a “notable departure for a Department of Homeland Security accused of being reluctant during the Trump administration to publish intelligence reports or public warnings about the dangers posed by domestic extremists and white supremacist groups for fear of angering Mr. Trump,” according to the Times and current and former homeland security officials.

Starting with the deadly protest in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017, when the former president said there were “very fine people on both sides,” according to the Times‘ sources, the 45th president “played down any danger posed by extremist groups.”

And when racial justice protests erupted nationwide last year, “his consistent message was that it was the so-called radical left that was to blame for the violence and destruction that had punctuated the demonstrations” even though the evidence suggests that the protests of groups that came together under the Black Lives Matter banner were engaged in peaceful, non-violent protests as protected by the First Amendment.

“Even after the (department) in September 2019 singled out white supremacists as a leading domestic terrorism threat, analysts and intelligence officials said their warnings were watered down, delayed or both,” the Times reports. “Former officials in the Trump administration have even said that White House officials sought to suppress the phrase ‘domestic terrorism’.”

Federal agencies and law enforcement departments are continuing to take precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the country, and under the new Biden administration, those agencies will be tasked with working with the public to prevent violence and threats “meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, race, ethnicity, identity or political views.”

The alert warns state, local, tribal, and territorial security agencies and official to continue prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect people and critical infrastructure.

The administration and the department is calling on the public to help.

“We ask the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online activity, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their local Fusion Center,” the release says. “Your choice can make a difference. Choose non-violent ways to make your voice heard and support friends and family in doing the same. Communities are strongest when they are not divided: Strengthen your community by standing together against violence.”

The alert warns people to avoid large crowds, including protests, especially considering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“If taking part in protests, do so peacefully, safely, and wear masks,” the agency warns. “Be responsible for your personal safety. Make note of your surroundings and security personnel. Carry emergency contact as well as medical and other needs information with you.”

The alert urges the public to stay informed. “The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials,” as well as to keep up with credible press and media reports.

Categories of Threats

A Bulletin describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.

An Elevated Alert warns of a credible terrorism threat.

An Imminent Alert warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat.

“If you see something, say something,” the agency says. “Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.”