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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: 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

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 has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System 

(NTAS) Bulletin 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

This Bulletin will 

expire on or before 

April 30, 2021 

at 1:00 PM ET 

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.

January 27, 2021 11:00AM ET