A note from the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis says federal and state government officials, including judges, “are likely to be at greater risk of violence in response to the decision.”
It also includes warnings about “First Amendment protected events,” “reproductive health care and family advocacy facilities,” and religious organizations that are the target of violence or criminal incidents.
“Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest of Americans are fundamental constitutional rights. These rights do not extend to violence and other illegal activities. DHS will continue to work with our partners at all levels of government to share timely information and support law enforcement efforts. to keep our communities safe, “a National Security spokesman told CNN in a statement.
DHS previously published a bulletin from the National Terrorism Counseling System warning of possible violence surrounding the Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights.
The note notes that possible violence is expected “for weeks” after Friday’s decision, as domestic violent extremists “may mobilize to respond to changes in state laws and electoral measures” related to abortion. The assessment, DHS said in the note, is based on an increase in violent incidents after a draft was leaked last month.
Some of these previous incidents are cited throughout the memorandum, including arson attacks on pregnancy resource centers and incidents of vandalism threatening violence aimed at “religious facilities perceived as opposed to the abortion “.
DHS’s intelligence arm relied on various sources, such as media accounts, open source reports, and Justice Department press releases, for evaluation.