Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump fight with authorities at the west entryway of the Capitol throughout a “Stop the Steal” demonstration beyond the Capitol structure in Washington D.C. January 6, 2021.
Stephanie Keith | Reuters
The Department of Homeland Security revealed on Thursday that it is designating more than $1.8 billion in grants to state and regional jurisdictions to safeguard versus terrorism and other catastrophes, with a minimum of $77 million going to safeguard particularly versus domestic violent extremism.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated the targeting of domestic violent extremism remains in action to an altering terrorism landscape in which the most considerable danger now originates from “small groups of individuals who commit acts of violence motivated by domestic extremist ideological beliefs.”
“While we continue to lawfully protect against threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations, we also must ensure adequate focus and funding is provided to combat domestic terrorism, some of which is motivated by false narratives and extremist rhetoric spread through social media and other online platforms,” Mayorkas stated in a declaration.
The statement began the heels of congressional testament by the acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman on Thursday, where she stated members of militia groups who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 “want to blow up the Capitol and kill as many members as possible” when President Joe Biden addresses Congress.
Pittman stated those risks demanded improved security at the Capitol. The Department of Homeland Security grants, which have yet to be granted, are concentrated on avoiding in addition to reacting to risks. NBC News formerly reported that DHS prepared to broaden its grants to avoid domestic terrorism under the Biden administration.
The “Preparedness Grants,” as they are understood, have actually assigned more than $54 billion to regional jurisdictions given that 2002, quickly after the production of DHS in order to avoid another Sept. 11, 2001 attack.
The grants assigned this year will likewise be utilized to boost cybersecurity. Mayorkas defined that the cash cannot be invested in specific devices such as “grenade launchers, bayonets and weaponized aircraft.” The usage of such devices by regional police in the past has actually drawn criticism about the over-militarization of authorities.
