On May 24, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning as part of the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) that the United States remains in a heightened threat environment. The NTAS system is designed to communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the American public.
In this case, the warning includes the threat of domestic terrorists; those within our own country seeking to cause harm and chaos. and destabilize this democracy.
Insurrectionists at the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, dressed in combat gear. Photo by Colin Lloyd for Unsplash.
The threat warning continued:
“Lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat to the Homeland.
Both domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and those associated with foreign terrorist organizations continue to attempt to motivate supporters to conduct attacks in the Homeland, including through violent extremist messaging and online calls for violence.
In the coming months, factors that could mobilize individuals to commit violence include their perceptions of the 2024 general election cycle and legislative or judicial decisions pertaining to sociopolitical issues.
Likely targets of potential violence include U.S. critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions, individuals or events associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, schools, racial and ethnic minorities, and government facilities and personnel, including law enforcement.”
The warning expires on November 24, 2023, right after the November 2023 general elections, which will include municipal elections, school board elections, and ballot questions across all 50 states. For perspective, the 2024 Presidential election is just 74 weeks away.
The DHS adds that “All Americans share responsibility for the nation’s security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the United States and what they should do.” Before and after the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol our nation’s security forces reminded us — “if you see something, say something.”
As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, perhaps it would be good to recall that we are honoring the fallen who died to defend this democracy’ the one terrorists — whether foreign or domestic — would destabilize and destroy.
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