In response to the ongoing heightened threat environment in the United States, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin May 24.
The U.S. continues to face a constant threat from lone criminals and small organizations motivated by various ideologies and personal grievances, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security news release. Through violent extremist propaganda and online appeals for violence, both domestic violent extremists and those connected to foreign terrorist organizations continue to try to persuade supporters to carry out attacks.
“Recent tragic events highlight the continued heightened threat environment our nation faces, and these threats are driven by violent extremists who seek to further their ideological beliefs and personal grievances,” Mayorkas said in the release.
DHS anticipates the threat environment will remain high in the upcoming months, and people may be propelled to violence by expectations for the 2024 general election cycle, as well as legislative or judicial actions involving sociopolitical issues, the release reported. Critical infrastructure in the U.S., places of worship, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, schools, organizations serving racial and ethnic minorities and government offices and employees are likely targets of potential violence.
In order to keep Americans secure, DHS collaborates with partners at all levels of government, in business, and in local communities, offering resources and support, according to the release. DHS and the FBI continue to share timely and useful intelligence with as many people as they can.
This includes exchanging data and intelligence with partners in the public and private sectors at all levels of government, such as threat briefings with partners from the commercial sector, state, local government, Tribal, territorial and academic institutions to help with security planning, the release reported.
To keep communities safe, DHS is dedicated to working with its partners to identify and prevent all types of targeted violence and terrorism, the release said.
The safety and security of the nation remain paramount, and DHS remains dedicated to its mission of protecting the U.S. from all threats, foreign and domestic, according to the release. The issuance of this NTAS Bulletin underscores the commitment of DHS to maintain constant vigilance and ensure the resilience of the nation in the face of evolving threats.
DHS has released eight NTAS Bulletins since January 2021, the release reported. This one replaces the previous bulletin, which was due to expire 2 p.m. May 24.
