DHS warns of "heightened threat" of attacks on churches, critical infrastructure

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned that the country remains in "a heightened threat environment." The document, which puts the "white supremacists" or people motivated by their beliefs on the same level as Antifa members or jihadist lone wolves, it stresses that "lone criminals and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to represent a persistent and lethal threat for the national territory." Analysts noted that churches and critical infrastructure in the country are among the main targets of extremists.

DHS warns: risk will grow as election nears

According to the bulletin, this threat will crescendo as the 2024 elections approach or the courts rule on the most compromising socio-political issues currently on the table. "Both domestic violent extremists and those associated with foreign terrorist organizations continue to attempt to motivate their followers to commit attacks within the country, including through violent extremist messages and calls for violence on the Internet. In the coming months, factors that could mobilize individuals to commit violent acts include their perceptions of the 2024 general election cycle and legislative or judicial decisions regarding socio-political issues," it says.

The document warns that "likely targets of potential violence include US 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."

White supremacism, but obviates Trans Day of Vengeance

White supremacism" has its specific reference in the report, directly attributing to it two of the most serious attacks in recent months and insinuating that it was also responsible for a third. Specifically, the burning of a church in Ohio that was to host a drag show, as well as the plot and several attacks on electrical infrastructure are believed to have been perpetrated by white supremacists. In addition, it is suggested that the perpetrator of the which left nine people dead, "held views consistent with racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist (RMVE) and involuntary celibate violent extremist ideologies."

Not included however, are suspicions that the massacre at a Christian elementary school in Nashville had much to do with Trans Day of Vengeance, or the manifesto found in the assailant's home. The authors of the bulletin note that the shooter "studied other mass shootings."

A mention of Antifa and international terrorism

In addition, attacks related to radical Antifa extremists in Georgia and the risk of terrorist attacks at the hands of radicalized U.S. citizens, who are invited to attack through social networks, are reported. Examples of the latter include the attack by an individual who assaulted police officers during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square.