Threat of Violence a Possibility After Assassination Attempt, Authorities Warn
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are concerned more violence may be looming after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The two agencies made a rare joint intelligence bulletin Monday…
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are concerned more violence may be looming after the Assassination Attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The two agencies made a rare joint intelligence bulletin Monday, per Politico.
The agencies said in the bulletin that extremists “may attempt follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence” after Saturday’s shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Although no specific targets were identified, some extremists have targeted attacks against “perceived political or ideological opponents,” in the past, per the bulletin.
“The FBI and DHS remain concerned about the potential for follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence following this attack, particularly given that individuals in some online communities have threatened, encouraged, or referenced acts of violence in response to the attempted assassination,” according to the bulletin.
This warning after what authorities have pegged was a “heightened threat” environment.
The country continues to be polarized as the two major parties plan their respective conventions. The Republican National Convention is happening this week in Milwaukee.
“This attack reinforces our assessment that election-related targets are under a heightened threat of attack or other types of disruptive incidents,” per the bulletin.
According to agencies, Trump’s would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks had improvised explosive devices in his car as well as his home. Crooks had also ordered packages potentially containing hazardous material over the last several months.
No motive has been determined. Crooks, 20, was shot and killed by the Secret Service.
One spectator was killed and two were critically injured.
The general election is less than four months away and both federal and state law enforcement agencies have increased efforts to prevent political violence. The Justice Department has said it will crack down on threats against election workers and elections facilities.
Threats have occurred on both sides. Trump supporters sent death threats to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in retaliation to the hush money case against Trump.