National Guard troops keep watch at the Capitol in Washington (J Scott Applewhite/AP)Violent extremists motivated by a range of political grievances and racial biases pose an “elevated threat” to the United States, officials said. “Today’s report underscores how we face the greatest threat from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, especially white supremacists, and militia violent extremists,” said Democratic Rep Adam Schiff of California, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Intelligence officials said in their assessment that extremists seen as risks for violence are motivated by a range of ideologies. The report says the most lethal threat is presented by racially motivated violent extremists, who officials say are most likely to conduct mass attacks against American civilians, and militia groups, who are seen as likely to target law enforcement and government officials. The report says white supremacists display what officials say is “the most persistent and concerning transnational connections”.

Source: Irish Independent March 17, 2021 19:55 UTC