Biden reviews home extremist threat after Capitol riot

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden is moving Friday to combat the threat posed by domestic violent extremists in response to the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.

Biden's first step in that process is directing the US intelligence community to carry out a review of the threat posed by violent extremists. The effort will be led by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines with the support of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, according to the White House.

Five people lost their lives during the insurrection earlier this month, including a Capitol Police officer who was attempting to halt the mob as it stormed into the federal legislature in an attempt to thwart a constitutionally-mandated procedure before Biden could be inaugurated.

"The Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol and the tragic deaths and destruction that occurred underscored what we have long known: the rise of domestic violent extremism is a serious and growing national security threat," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. "The Biden administration will confront this threat with the necessary resources and resolve."

Additionally, the National Security Council will develop a capability to focus on the threat posed by domestic extremists, and will conduct a review of federal policy on how agencies can better share information, and develop efforts to prevent radicalizations and disrupt extremist networks.