Terrorism Level Rises Amid HBCU Threats

The Department of Homeland Security has placed the US on a heightened threat level for domestic and foreign terrorism in light of the recent threats against multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Current Events
On Monday, the DHS raised the terrorism level and said it will remain elevated at least until June, after credible threats against HBCUs, a Jewish synagogue, and a college campus by ISIS forced heightened security measures.

According to The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, online conspiracy theories and other forms of misinformation have inspired terrorists to “exacerbate societal friction to sow discord and undermine public trust in the government.”

“Threats directed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other colleges and universities, Jewish facilities, and churches cause concern and may inspire extremist threat actors to mobilize to violence,” the bulletin said. “The recent attack on a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, highlights the continuing threat of violence based upon racial or religious motivations, as well as threats against faith-based organizations,” it added.

Homeland Security officials are now warning that Americans should be vigilant and on the lookout for mass-casualty attacks and other acts of targeted violence at the hands of lone offenders and small groups posing an ongoing threat to the nation.

“The convergence of violent extremist ideologies, false or misleading narratives, and conspiracy theories have and will continue to contribute to a heightened threat of violence in the United States,” the bulletin read.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement that the DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis is dedicated to providing intelligence on domestic terrorism threats and “remains committed to proactively sharing timely information and intelligence about the evolving threat environment with the American public.

“We also remain committed to working with our partners across every level of government and in the private sector to prevent all forms of terrorism and targeted violence, and to support law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe,” he said.

His words come after a dozen HBCUs, including Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, and Southern University and A&M received elaborate bomb threats last week which prompted heavy police responses and lockdowns.

Although no suspect has been arrested, federal agencies including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are now involved in the ongoing investigations.

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Terrorism level raised after HBCU threats.