Supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building on January 6, believing Trump’s claims of electoral fraud. Since then, the issue of domestic extremism and terrorism has jumped to the top of the priority list of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies alike.
“The rising tide of charged political rhetoric, internet conspiracy theories, and false narratives of election fraud has elevated the threat posed by domestic violent extremists,” said Andrew McCabe, former deputy director of the FBI and now a distinguished visiting professor at the Schar School. “Conversations about the dynamics of domestic terrorism are essential to fully understanding this threat.”
The problem is not a new one, but it still poses a great challenge for national security practitioners. What is the nature of threat? What are possible responses? How does a nation stop domestic terrorists while protecting civil liberties? What roles do the FBI and Department of Homeland Security play in countering it?
In short, what should America’s intelligence community do?
That will be the conversation taking place Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m. (EDT), when the Schar School’s Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security welcomes McCabe and Elizabeth Neumann, former senior advisor to the deputy chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security, for a discussion on domestic terrorism and how it can be countered. Schar School visiting professor and senior fellow David Preiss will moderate the discussion.
Schar School fact: A generous gift from the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation provides $450,000 in new scholarships for master’s students enrolled in a security studies program for Fall 2021. Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply.