WASHINGTON – Following the deadly January 6 riot on Capitol Hill, President Joe Biden orders the intelligence community to assess the threat of domestic violent extremism in the United States and explore new policies to address to extremist networks.
A three-pronged effort, unveiled by press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday, is to task the office of the director of national intelligence to conduct a “comprehensive threat assessment” to help shape policies to deal with the rising tide. national violent extremism. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security will consult on the work.
“The January 6 assault on Capitol Hill and the tragic death and destruction that has occurred have highlighted what we have known for a long time,” Psaki said. “The rise of domestic violent extremism is a serious and growing threat to national security. The Biden administration will confront this threat with the necessary resources and resolve. “
The administration’s accusation comes two weeks after pro-Trump rioters stormed Capitol Hill as Congress counted electoral votes, resulting in five deaths, including that of a police officer. Among the rioters were the organizers of Proud Boys, an extremist group linked to white nationalism, and other far-right organizations.
Biden also ordered the National Security Council to strengthen its capacity to counter threats of domestic violent extremism, according to Psaki.
More:Joseph Biggs, organizer of Proud Boys, charged in deadly riot on Capitol Hill
The NSA will undertake a policy review, she said, to determine how the government can share information more effectively to deal with threats, prevent radicalization and disrupt violent extremist networks. She said this would complement the work already underway between the agencies.
“We need to better understand its current extent and any gaps,” she said.
Additionally, Biden called on all relevant federal departments and agencies to “strengthen and accelerate” efforts to counter domestic violent extremism, Psaki said.
Psaki said the White House is committed to developing policies and strategies targeting domestic violent extremism that are “based on facts, objective and rigorous analysis, and our respect for freedom of expression and ‘activities protected by the Constitution’.
She did not specify what potential policy changes might be considered.
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