Topic: Domestic Extremism

NPR's domestic extremism correspondent reported on "violent rhetoric" appearing in corners of the internet following the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot. The report claims some supporters are calling for civil war, though monitors admit there are no imminent credible threats. The segment is criticized for editorializing and focusing exclusively on threats from the political right.

NPR features an interview with former DHS official Brian Murphy regarding the rise of violent rhetoric following the FBI's search of Donald Trump's estate. The analysis links the backlash to domestic extremism and compares the situation to the "Pizzagate" incident at Comet Ping Pong.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning regarding potential attacks on the U.S. power grid by domestic extremists. Correspondent Catherine Herridge reported that intelligence suggests small-scale plots could target critical infrastructure like hospitals and police stations. Critics argue the report relies on vague "online chatter" and serves as preconditioning for future government control or false flag operations.

A report from the Atlantic Council claims that "far-right activists" have shifted their focus from national politics to local school boards and city councils. The report highlights Denise Aguilar, founder of "Mama-licia," who uses Telegram to organize peaceful opposition to mandates. Critics argue that labeling parents who engage with local government as "domestic extremists" is an overreach by partisan think tanks.

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) releases new classifications for Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs), including categories for racially motivated (RMVE), militia-based (MVE), and anti-government extremists. The report suggests these groups pose the most lethal threat to the U.S. interior. Critics argue these broad definitions are designed to increase surveillance budgets and target political dissidents.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin regarding "domestic violent extremists" motivated by COVID-19 restrictions and election results. In a related legal action, an individual was arrested for posting a 2016 meme that falsely instructed Hillary Clinton supporters to vote via text message. The arrest is being treated as a case of criminal voter suppression.

Former Deputy Secretary of State Sue Gordon discusses the challenges of monitoring domestic extremism given statutory limits on the intelligence community's ability to surveil U.S. citizens. She advocates for a structural reform that combines the efforts of the FBI and DHS, potentially through a 9-11 style commission. The segment notes that such commissions often lead to legislation similar to the Patriot Act.

CBS News reports on NYPD intelligence warnings regarding potential domestic terrorism at state capitals leading up to the inauguration. The report attributes the threat to "extreme right disinformation campaigns" and "conspiracy theories." Law enforcement officials express concern over "bumper shot" violence targeting soft targets if the U.S. Capitol remains too secure.

A leaked Department of Homeland Security document titled the "Domestic Extremism Lexicon" provides definitions for potential threats, including "alternative media." The document is intended for use by law enforcement and "fusion centers" to identify non-Islamic extremist threats. The hosts note that their own program fits the DHS definition of alternative media, which is characterized as providing interpretations that differ from mass media.