BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES PLAN TO COMBAT 'DOMESTIC EXTREMISM'
By Dave DeCamp, AntiWar.com.
January 23, 2021 | EDUCATE!
Above photo: Getty Images.
NOTE: The Biden administration is pushing for more laws against domestic
terrorism. The problem is not due to a lack of laws, it is a failure to take
action using the existing laws. We need to be wary that new laws will be
used against oppressed communities and justice movements. - MF
Intelligence Agencies To Conduct A Threat Assessment.
On Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that President
Biden ordered three US intelligence agencies to review the threat of
"domestic violent extremism."
Since pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the US Capitol building on January
6th, calls to combat "domestic terrorism" have been growing. Before January
6th, Biden's transition team had said they were planning to pass laws
against domestic terrorism, and the Capitol incident has made it a top
priority.
"The January 6th assault on the Capitol and the tragic deaths and
destruction that occurred underscored what we have long known. The rise of
domestic violent extremism is a serious and growing national security
threat," Psaki said.
Psaki went on to outline the first steps the Biden administration is taking.
She said Biden ordered the newly confirmed Director of National Intelligence
Avril Haines to conduct a threat assessment along with the FBI and the
Department of Homeland Security.
Psaki said the assessment will produce a "fact-based analysis on which we
can shape policy." In addition to the intelligence analysis, the National
Security Council is being tasked with finding ways to disrupt "extremist
networks."
It's not clear if the assessment will lead to US government agencies being
granted new authorities to counter domestic terrorism.
Congress is onboard with prioritizing domestic threats. Earlier this week,
the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act was introduced in the House with
bipartisan sponsors. The bill would establish offices within the FBI,
Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department to combat
domestic
