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If You See Something, Say Something®. | For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/seesay.

The National Terrorism Advisory System provides information on homeland security issues and threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland 

Security. More information is available at: www.dhs.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: https://www.twitter.com/dhsgov 

If You See Something, Say Something® used with permission of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

National Terrorism Advisory System

Bulletin www.dhs.gov/advisories Original Issue Date: January 27, 2021, 11:00AM ET; 

Update: April 26, 2021, 12:00PM ET

DETAILS

• Throughout 2020, Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) targeted individuals with opposing views 

engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity. DVEs motivated by a range 

of issues, including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use 

of force have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities. 

• Long-standing racial and ethnic tension—including opposition to immigration—has driven DVE 

attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 23 people.

• DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some 

DVEs may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in 

Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.

• DHS remains concerned that Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist 

groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.

• Threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications 

and healthcare sectors, increased in 2020 with violent extremists citing misinformation and 

conspiracy theories about COVID-19 for their actions. 

• DHS, as well as other Federal agencies and law enforcement partners will continue to take 

precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the United States.

• DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce 

specific populations on the basis of their religion, race, ethnicity, identity or political views. 

• DHS encourages state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners to continue 

prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect

people and critical infrastructure. 

SUMMARY

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, 

subsequently extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security, due to a heightened threat environment 

across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful 

Presidential Inauguration. Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists 

with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other 

perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP • We ask the public to report suspicious

activity and threats of violence, including

online activity, to local law 

enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their 

local Fusion Center.

• Your choice can make a difference. 

Choose non-violent ways to make your 

voice heard and support friends and 

family in doing the same.

• Communities are strongest when they are 

not divided: Strengthen your community 

by standing together against violence.

STAY INFORMED • Local, state and federal agencies will 

provide specific information about

emerging threats as additional 

information is identified. The public is 

encouraged to listen to local law 

enforcement and public safety officials.

• Last year, DHS released a Homeland

Threat Assessment to the public 

examining the threat environment through 

2021. 

• The DHS Lexicon on terrorism includes 

terminology for DVEs and HVEs. 

BE PREPARED • Avoiding large crowds, including 

protests, is safest due to ongoing 

pandemic conditions. However, if 

taking part in protests do so 

peacefully, safely, and wear masks. 

• Be responsible for your personal safety. 

Make note of your surroundings and 

security personnel. Carry emergency 

contact as well as medical and other 

needs information with you. 

• Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to 

prepare businesses & employees. 

DURATION

The expiration 

date for this 

Bulletin is 

extended from 

April 30, 2021 to

May 15, 2021 

TYPES OF 

ADVISORIES 

Bulletin

Describes current 

developments or 

general trends 

regarding threats of 

terrorism. 

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible 

terrorism threat 

against the United 

States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a credible, 

specific and 

impending terrorism 

threat against the 

United States.