Responding to recent gun violence, online rhetoric from white supremacists and a rise in hate crimes, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman brought together key law enforcement and community leaders for a threat assessment, review of pre-attack data and methods to seek out and ease potential threats.
According to a June 30 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, Grossman noted it remains paramount that leaders in the community know they have support in the fight against radical extremism, hate crimes and gun violence. He added federal, state and local authorities are poised to offer their assistance to keep communities safe.
“While the combination of hateful online rhetoric and access to firearms presents a chilling challenge, prevention through partnerships has saved lives, both nationally and here in San Diego," Grossman said in the news release. “Violent remarks by online extremists have resulted in public ‘tip’ reports to law enforcement, followed by a gun violence restraining order and successful federal prosecution. To ensure this prevention strategy is repeated, it is essential to arm our community leaders with information.”
According to the news release, the meeting included Department of Homeland Security officials in Washington, D.C., including Marcus Coleman, director of the DHS Faith-Based and Community Relations Program, and Dominic Cucciarre, team lead in the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Counterterrorism Mission Center, as well as local law enforcement professionals, including San Diego Police Chief Dave Nisleit, FBI Deputy National Sector Chief Curtis Jones, Assistant District Attorney Dwain Woodley, FBI Special Agent Renee Green and representatives from the Fusion Center Senior Intelligence and stakeholders from throughout the city.
Coleman noted the city’s faith and nonprofit leaders often are on the front lines where they see unusual behavior, and he noted it is important for them to be in the loop on any developments so they can pick up on potential threats, the release reported.
“It’s important that the community members know they are not alone in this battle against radical extremism, hateful threats and targeted gun violence: federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are with you, ready to assist in every way possible,” Grossman added, according to the release. “We want to work hand in hand with you to keep your loved ones and community safe.”
