U.S. intelligence agencies have claimed that “domestic extremists with grievances rooted in election-related conspiracy theories” pose the “most likely threat of violence in the coming election,” according to NBC News.
NBC News reviewed a copy of a Joint Intelligence Bulletin, which features a warning to state and local law enforcement agencies that domestic “extremists” are a threat for election and inauguration day.
The document was obtained through a public records report by the group Property of the People, the outlet explained. Prior to January 6, 2021, the internal reports were not widely distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies, citing free speech concerns.
Ryan Shapiro, executive director of Property of the People, said the documents are “unmistakably a product of a radically heightened threat environment.”
NBC News goes on to suggest former President Donald Trump has enabled “domestic extremists,” as he “claimed elections have been rigged against him since 2016, when he won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote.” These concerns, and others, were “lies the courts quickly struck down,” the report states.
Election fraud is a “prominent narrative” for “extremists,” the report adds, noting that other issues, such as immigration, LGBTQ, abortion, and the attempts against Trump’s life, also motivate “violence from extremists.”
“The United States remains in a heightened, dynamic threat environment and we continue to share information with our law enforcement partners about the threats posed by domestic violent extremists in the context of the 2024 election,” DHS spokesperson Mayra Rodriguez said. “Violence has no place in our politics, and DHS continues to work with our partners to evaluate and mitigate emerging threats that may arise from domestic or foreign actors.”
