US: DHS opens inner probe of domestic violent extremism

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an internal investigation to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the department, the agency said Monday in a statement.

"Domestic violent extremism poses the most lethal and persistent terrorism-related threat to our country today," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who calls identifying, addressing, and preventing domestic violent extremism "a top priority."

"As we work to safeguard our Nation, we must be vigilant in our efforts to identify and combat domestic violent extremism within both the broader community and our own organization," Mayorkas continued. "Hateful acts and violent extremism will not be tolerated within our Department."

He said a cross-agency working group will immediately begin "a comprehensive review of how to best prevent, detect, and respond to threats related to domestic violent extremism within DHS," and the investigation will be led by the chief security officer, Richard McComb.

When the investigation is completed, the team will present a report with recommendations to the secretary on how best to identify and respond to domestic violent extremism, including racially or ethnically motivated ones.