It is ‘likely’ that the repeal of Roe v. Wade fuels violent unrest in the US, DHS intelligence wing says

The United States Department of Homeland Security has predicted an increase in “domestic violent extremism” in response to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down federal protections against abortion, according to a memo obtained by Axios.

The DHS intelligence unit issued a message to law enforcement agencies, first responders, and “private sector partners” on Friday warning of renewed violence over the Roe v. Wade, which has already sparked protests in the nation’s capital and other cities across the country.

Supreme Court justices and other government officials are “those most at risk” added the memo, which points to acts of violence by the pro-abortion group ‘Jane’s Revenge,’ as well as an alleged plot to assassinate Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who voted to overturn the landmark abortion case on Thursday.

Abortion clinics, “reproductive health facilities” and “faith-based organizations” were also named as possible targets of violent actors on both sides of the controversial issue.

DHS noted that some groups had carried out arson attacks and went on to cite “at least 11 incidents of vandalism threatening violence against religious facilities perceived to be opposed to abortion.”

“Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest of Americans are fundamental constitutional rights. Those rights do not extend to violence and other illegal activities,” a department spokesperson told Axios, adding that the 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”.

The Department of Homeland Security frequently issues warnings about potential politically motivated violence, repeatedly raising concerns about those who oppose Covid-19 mandates after the pandemic began in 2020, and issued a National Advisory System bulletin on Terrorism that discussed potential riots over the Roe v. Wade. earlier this month.

Categorized in:

Tagged in: