DHS issues new security alert, blames ‘violent extremists’

May 24, 2023
The security bulletin, set to expire Nov. 24, is the eighth released in 2021 and replaces one that expired today. It comes as mass shootings, attacks on infrastructure and other violent crimes have continued to grip the country.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a new terrorism advisory Wednesday, saying “violent extremists” are driving up the threat environment in the U.S. to further their ideological beliefs and person grievances.

The bulletin, set to expire Nov. 24, is the eighth released in 2021 and replaces one that expired today. It comes as mass shootings, attacks on infrastructure and other violent crimes have continued to grip the country.  

DHS says lone offenders and small groups “motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances” continue to post a threat. Here is a list of incidents the DHS mentioned as it released the bulletin:

  • In March 2023, a now-deceased individual shot and killed six people at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the attack and has indicated the individual studied other mass murderers.
  • Also in March 2023, a RMVE driven by a belief in the superiority of the white race was arrested and charged with allegedly attempting to use an improvised incendiary device to burn down a church in Ohio that was planning to host a drag-themed event.
  • In May 2023, a now-deceased individual killed eight and injured seven others at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas. Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the attack, but initial reporting suggests the attacker fixated on mass shootings and held views consistent with racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist (RMVE) and involuntary celibate violent extremist ideologies.
  • In February 2023, two RMVEs driven by a belief in the superiority of the white race were arrested and are now awaiting trial for plotting an attack against electrical substations in Maryland. These arrests followed a series of recent attacks against electrical infrastructure, which some DVEs have praised and leveraged to call for more attacks on critical infrastructure.
  • Since spring of 2022, alleged DVEs in Georgia have cited anarchist violent extremism, animal rights/environmental violent extremism, and anti-law enforcement sentiment to justify criminal activity in opposition to a planned public safety training facility in Atlanta. Criminal acts have included an alleged shooting and assaults targeting law enforcement and property damage targeting the facility, construction companies, and financial institutions for their perceived involvement with the planned facility.
  • Meanwhile, foreign terrorists continue to use media to call for lone offender attacks in the West, condemn U.S. foreign policy, and attempt to expand their reach and grow global support networks. In January, an individual from Maine who was inspired by a variety of foreign terrorist content was charged with federal crimes for an attack on New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square.

“Both domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and those associated with foreign terrorist organizations continue to attempt to motivate supporters to conduct attacks, including through violent extremist messaging and online calls for violence,” DHS says.

In the coming months, the department expects the threat environment to remain active and some individuals will be motivated to violence by “perceptions of the 2024 general election cycle and legislative or judicial decisions pertaining to sociopolitical issues.”

DHS believes U.S.  critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions, individuals lor events associated with the LGBTQIA+-community, schools, racial and ethnic minorities, and government facilities and personnel are likely targets of potential violence.

DHS says it’s working with partners in government, the private sector and in local communities to keep the country safe, including the following: