DHS issues fresh threat warning as 9/11 anniversary approaches, pandemic grievances simmer

The Department of Homeland Security issued a new threat advisory Friday, citing the approaching 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and simmering unrest over government restrictions related to the resurgent coronavirus pandemic.

The "diverse and challenging threat environment," the DHS advisory states could serve as "catalyst for acts of targeted violence."

"These threats include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences," the warning states. "Such threats are also exacerbated by impacts of the ongoing global pandemic, including grievances over public health safety measures and perceived government restrictions."

The new warning builds on separate advisories issued in January and May, which also referred to a enhanced domestic threat and pandemic-related conflicts.

The Biden administration issued the first advisory shortly after the deadly Capitol siege, warning that extremists harboring a volatile mix of grievances "may be emboldened" by the Jan. 6 attack to target elected officials and government property.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the Friday bulletin represents a reaffirmation of the "heightened threat landscape we face and how DHS is working with our partners, at every level of government and in the community, to combat domestic terrorism and targeted violence in all its forms."