FBI and DHS Emphasize Threats of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists and Accelerationism in New Report

A new FBI and DHS joint report examining data on domestic terrorism between 2017 and 2019 reflects increasing threats posed by Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists (RMVEs). The report notes that in 2019 “the FBI and DHS assessed RMVEs, primarily those advocating for the superiority of the white race, likely would continue to be the most lethal DVE [Domestic Violent Extremism] threat to the Homeland.” Indeed, the report noted that 2019 was the most lethal year for DVE attacks since 1995, “with five separate DVE attacks resulting in 32 deaths, 24 of which occurred during attacks conducted by RMVEs advocating for the superiority of the white race.” Although this assessment looked specifically at 2019, it corroborates recent statements by federal law enforcement and homeland security officials about threats posed to the U.S. by RMVEs. As WaterISAC reported on in last Thursday’s Security & Resilience Update, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a Senate hearing that the greatest domestic threat facing the U.S. comes from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists. In his remarks, Attorney General Garland added, “Specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race.” The new FBI and DHS report also notes that accelerationism – referring to the expectations of the perpetrators of malicious acts that their actions will hasten the beginning of an anticipated conflict – partly inspired some of the attacks in 2019 and will likely continue to inspire future plots. Read the report at the FBI.