Federal law enforcement officials have issued a series of bulletins to local government officials and law enforcement agencies warning them that domestic terrorist and extremist groups feel “emboldened” and are likely planning follow-up actions, CNN reports.
The warnings, coming from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence, noted that these insurrectionists believe their coup attempt at the Capitol on January 6th was a success, giving them a platform from which they can raise their profiles and impact.
The January 6th attack came after thousand of people heard calls for violence from the likes of Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Rudy Giuliani, who told the crowd they would have to “fight” to overturn certified election results and “save” the country.
“The violent breach of the US Capitol Building is very likely part of an ongoing trend in which [extremists] exploit lawful protests, rallies, and demonstrations, and other gatherings to carry out ideologically-motivated violence and criminal activity,” one intelligence bulletin warned.
The bulletin went on to say that the domestic terrorist should seek revenge for the insurrectionist who was shot and killed at the Capitol last week.
“Since the [Capitol attack], violent online rhetoric regarding the [inauguration] has increased, with some calling for unspecified ‘justice'”for a dead insurrectionist.
The federal officials have asked for assistance from their local partners to secure Washington, DC during the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.