Biden orders assessment of US domestic terrorism risk

WASHINGTON: The White House said President Joe Biden has directed his administration to conduct a full assessment of the risk of domestic terrorism in the wake of the attack on the US Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki: “The January 6th assault on the Capitol and the tragic deaths and destruction that occurred underscored what we have long known: the rise of domestic violent extremism is a serious and growing national security threat. The Biden administration will confront this threat with the necessary resources and resolve. We’re committed to developing policies and strategies based on facts, on objectives and rigorous analysis and our respect for constitutionally protected free speech and political activities.”

The assessment will be carried out by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in coordination with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.Psaki said that, in addition to the threat assessment, the White House would build out capability within its National Security Council to counter domestic violent extremism, including a policy review on how the federal government can share information about the threat better.

The news comes after the US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence, the nation’s top intelligence job.