By Juan Peralez / Herald Forum
Domestic violent extremist terrorism is not a new threat to the nation, but it is a threat Americans have endured too often in recent years. Between Jan 1. and Sept. 31 of 2020, there were 61 assaults and terrorist plots committed in the U.S; 67 percent of those incidents were committed by violent far right groups.
What will be regarded as an infamous day in U.S. history, similar to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, occurred on Jan. 6, 2021. On that day, the whole world witnessed the attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol Building. Members and supporters of extremist groups, including some police, military and Congressional officials who would not accept the 2020 presidential election results, attempted to overturn the election. One must ask, how would these so-called insurrectionists be dealt with if they had been Black and Brown people.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is calling on Congress for a law on domestic terrorism because one does not currently exist and additional resources are needed to address the issue. Law enforcement needs laws to be able to investigate, monitor and track domestic violent extremists. Timothy McVeigh’s act of bombing the federal building in Oklahoma in 1995 was not called domestic terrorism because domestic terrorism is not a chargeable offense. He was convicted of murder, conspiracy and using a weapon of mass destruction.
The FBI has officially declared domestic terrorism as the biggest threat to our democracy. The Department of Homeland Security issued the fourth National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the country caused by extremist groups. President Biden in his 100th-day address to the country stated that white supremacy groups must be addressed and also requested and distributed $77 million to the states so the issue is addressed. Why, then, is there no action taken on this at the state legislative level?
President Biden’s National Security Team with the consultation of experts, academics, community partners and faith groups produced a National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism report last June 15.
Key findings in the report find that the two most lethal elements of today’s domestic terrorism are: racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists who advocate for the superiority of the white race and the antigovernment or anti-authority violent extremists such as militia violent extremists.
The report includes four core elements:
1. Enhance domestic terrorism analysis and improve information sharing;
2. Revamp federal support to community partners by providing additional resources;
3. Disrupt and deter domestic terrorism activity by increasing support to all law enforcement;
4. Build a government and civil society partnership to confront long-term contributors to violent domestic terrorism.
The blueprint is ready!
The question now is how will federal and state law enforcement collaborate to implement those four core elements?
How will residents of Washington state be advised of security risks from homegrown extremists?
How will law enforcement work with groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and American Civil Liberties Union in a transparent, accountable and sustainable manner?
Most importantly, what federal funds were allocated to our state, and will community input be permitted on how it will be spent?
It is imperative that for the public safety of all residents of this country and safeguarding our democracy that the government at all levels take legislative action immediately because the issue is not going away. Contact your legislative representatives and demand they take action on violent extremist domestic terrorism immediately.
Juan Peralez is president of Unidos of Snohomish County.
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