The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin today after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners. There is currently a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks.
DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that persons frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to incite or commit violence.
The duration of this bulletin expires April 30. The details of the bulletin include extremists targeting people with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protects, non-violent protest activity.
Also in the bulletin are long-standing racial and ethnic tension—including opposition to immigration—has driven DVE attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 23 people. Also, DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some DVEs may be emboldened by the Jan. 6, breach of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., to target elected officials and government facilities. DHS remains concerned that Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.
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 for their actions. DHS, as well as other federal agencies and law enforcement partners will continue to take precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the United States. DHS is asking for the public support in reporting suspicious activity, choosing non-violent means to have your voice heard, and as a community standing together against violence.
