The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin for May 24, 2023, which provides a brief overview of recent domestic attacks and the DHS’s response to current and potential threats. Noted in the report are future events which may motivate further domestic terrorist attacks and violence. These events include the 2024 presidential election and “legislative or judicial decisions pertaining to sociopolitical issues.” Currently, race and ethnic differences continue to motivate violent extremists as demonstrated by an attempted arson in Ohio and an electrical substation attack plot in Maryland, both contrived by white supremacists.
The DHS, alongside other federal agencies, has implemented various tactics to combat domestic terrorism. In addition to assisting in updating the U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators in 2021, DHS has recently launched the Prevention Resource Finder website to provide a collection of resources dedicated to preparing for and preventing domestic terrorism. The DHS is also collaborating with federal and community organizations on various programs aimed at educating and training people on how to prevent and respond to domestic terrorist activities. These programs include the National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program, the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program, and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
For more information, check out HSDL’s In Focus topics on Active Shooters, Cyber Infrastructure Protection, Domestic Terrorism in the U.S., Hate and Antisemitism, School Violence, and Workplace Violence.
